Dermoscopic Features of Dermatitis Cruris Pustulosa et Atrophicans: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Center in South India
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Dermatitis cruris pustulosa et atrophicans (DCPA) is a chronic superficial folliculitis that can cause scarring alopecia if left untreated. Hardly any studies are there describing the dermoscopic features of DCPA. Dermoscopy can be a useful tool for diagnosing DCPA in addition to clinical and histopathological features and for differentiating other conditions like superficial folliculitis, folliculitis decalvans, and pseudofolliculitis. Aims/Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the dermoscopic features of 30 patients with DCPA at a tertiary care center in South India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of clinical and biopsy-proven cases of DCPA at a tertiary care center in South India. Results: Thirty patients of DCPA of skin phototype IV or V were studied. Male preponderance of DCPA was noted in our study. Lower extremities 28 (93.3%) and upper extremities 2 (6.7%) were the common sites of involvement. The most common findings noted in dermoscopy were follicular-based pustules in 30 (100%) patients, follicular white structureless area in 16 (53.3%), perifollicular collarette of scales in 12 (40%), diffuse background dotted blood vessels in 12 (40%), and the absence of follicular orifices in 12 (40%). Other findings were yellow or hemorrhagic scales, perifollicular linear white lines, broken hair, and perifollicular dotted blood vessels. Pigmentary patterns observed were dark brown pigmentation, blue-grey globules, blue-grey dots, and accentuation of the pigmentary network. Limitations: The limitations of the study were the retrospective nature of the study, the small sample size, and the lack of a comparison group. Conclusion: The predominant dermoscopic features observed in our patients were follicular-based pustules, follicular white structureless areas, perifollicular collarette of scales, diffuse background dotted blood vessels, and the absence of follicular orifices. Vascular and pigmentary patterns were less commonly noted.
Language: English
Subfield: Dermatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4401520159