Clinical spectrum of facial hypermelanosis: a descriptive study from a tertiary care centre

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Facial melanosis (FM) which refers to brown, black or blue pigmentation over the face is a common cosmetic concern in Indian patients. This increased incidence could be due to remarkable diversity of Indian ethinic population. Pigmentary disorders of the face are a great cosmetic and psychological concern for the patients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This is an extensive descriptive clinico epidemiological study comprising of 1024 patients, conducted at Sri Venkateshwara Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Puducherry, for a period of one and a half years. A detailed clinical history and examination was done, and all the clinical photographs and data were recorded. Necessary investigations like skin biopsy and patch testing was done wherever required.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The maximum number of patients belong to the age group of 21-35 years with a female predominance (67.2%). Among patients of FM, post inflammatory pigmentation (35.3%) was the most common comprising of 362 patients, followed by melasma (17.2%), periorbital melanosis (15.7%), seborrheic melanosis (7.5%) followed by other causes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> FM is common in Indian skin, several of which have overlapping features, and some have defined clinical classification. Additionally, climatic conditions, cosmetic usage and social parameters predispose to the increased incidence of FM.</p>