Clinico-pathological study of facial melanosis in Indian skin type.

Dr. Sharad Mutalik, Dr. Swapnil shah, Dr. Balkrishna Nikam, India.

Hyperpigmentation on the face always creates a psychosocial problem. Shades, patterns and distribution of hyperpigmentation vary according to the etiopathogenesis. We conducted a clinic-pathological study of 40 cases having facial melanosis. Frictional melanosis, lichen planus pigmentosus, pigmentary demarcation lines, actinic lichen planus were the commonly observed conditions. Histopathology helped to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Various Indian customs, tropical climate and habits certainly contribute in the pathogenesis of hyperpigmentation in different patterns.