A CLINICO-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF FACIAL HYPERMELANOSIS AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER, ANANTHAPURAM

Abstract

Background: A group of heterogenous entities having the common clinical feature of altered facial pigmentation have been informally called as facial melanoses. Since, the cosmetic disgurement is easily visible, it has a lot of impact on the psychological well being of the person. To assess the patients of facial hyper pigmentary disorders for demographic , etiological and clinicalAim: prole. A prospective clinical study was conducted in a tertiary care center in Ananthapuram over period of 6 months. 100 patientsMethods: with facial hyper pigmentary disorders were assessed by detailed history and clinical examination. In our study, most common age groupResults: which sought treatment was 30-50 years. Female were predominantly affected. ve different facial melanosis were observed which included melasma, postinammatory hyperpigmentation, reihl's melanosis, exogenous ochronosis,topical steroid damaged face. Reihl's melanosis was the most common disorder reported by 30 patients out of 100. Limitations: Dermoscopy could not be done to resource constraint. Conclusion: Increase in awareness and concern with appearance has led to an increase in reported incidence of facial melanosis in both sexes. Prior application of over-the-counter products poses difculty in correct evaluation and treatment. Psychological evaluation forms an integral part of the treatment of these patients.