Abstract

Background: Face is the most prominent part of the body. Facial blemishes and
disorders directly reflect on patient’s physical appearance, cosmesis and self-image.
They may contribute to dysmorphism and even lead to depressive illness in susceptible
individuals, especially in women. Therefore, it is important for early identification and
management of facial skin disorders.
Aims: To study the clinical patterns and their epidemiological determinants of
pigmentary dermatoses among female patients above the age of 10 years.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional hospital based study, conducted in a
tertiary centre over a period of 18 months from January 2015 to July 2016, involving
355 female patients with facial pigmentary dermatoses.After taking their informed
consent, assessment using detailed history taking, clinical examination, demographic
and etiological data in pre-designed proforma,relevant investigations including the skin
scrapings for KOH mount, woods lamp examination and skin biopsy, wherever
required were done.
Results: A total number of 355 patients were included. Melasma was the most common
disorder which was observed in 112(31.54%) patients. Ashy dermatosis being the least
wasrecorded only in 2(0.56%) patients. Most of the facial pigmentary conditions in this
study were related to occupation and lifestyle of the patients.History of photoaggravation,
stress and cosmetics use was commonly observed among the patients.
Agricultural workers were the predominant group followed by housewives.
Conclusion: Among the pigmentary, hyperpigmentary were more than hypopigmentary
dermatoses. This study is an effort to fill this gap in the understanding of occurrence
and clinical patterns of facialpigmentary dermatoses. These dermatoses have a major
bearing on Dermatological Quality of life (DLQI), physical and mental well being
among the female clientele of the institution.