RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Pigmentary demarcation lines (PDL) are physiological abrupt transition lines between hyperpigmented skin and lighter areas. Recent evidence suggests that they involve the face. AIMS: To survey facial PDL in Saudi females referred to general dermatology clinics for various complaints and determine any associated risks. METHODS: Screening for facial lines was done in general dermatology clinics over a year. Whenever a patient was found to have facial PDL, a detailed questionnaire and examination were undertaken. RESULTS: Out of 1033 patients screened, 144 patients (14%) were found to have at least one of the facial PDLs. The median age of onset was 16 years. The most common line was F with 76 patients (53%). Family history was positive in 51 patients (35%). CONCLUSION: Facial PDL is a common and chronic pigmentary problem in Saudi women. It should be recognized and differentiated from other similar diseases like melasma. A significant proportion of patients have a milder presentation.
Assuntos
Face/patologia , Inquéritos Epidemiológicos , Transtornos da Pigmentação/patologia , Envelhecimento da Pele/patologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idade de Início , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Transtornos da Pigmentação/epidemiologia , Gravidez , Complicações na Gravidez/epidemiologia , Complicações na Gravidez/patologia , Fatores de Risco , Arábia Saudita/epidemiologia , Pigmentação da Pele , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: To date, periorbital melanosis is an ill-defined entity. The condition has been stated to be darkening of the skin around the eyes, dark circles, infraorbital darkening and so on. AIMS: This study was aimed at exploring the nature of pigmentation in periorbital melanosis. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients of periorbital melanosis were examined and investigated to define periorbital melanosis. Extent of periorbital melanosis was determined by clinical examination. Wood's lamp examination was performed in all the patients to determine the depth of pigmentation. A 2-mm punch biopsy was carried out in 17 of 100 patients. RESULTS: In 92 (92%) patients periorbital melanosis was an extension of pigmentary demarcation line over the face (PDL-F). CONCLUSION: Periorbital melanosis and pigmentary demarcation line of the face are not two different conditions; rather they are two different manifestations of the same disease.