Dermoscopic characterization of dermatophytosis: A preliminary observation

Introduction: Dermatophytosis has become resistant and relapsing infection in India. Diagnosis of dermatophytosis is easy, however, poses diagnostic challenge in partial treatment, steroid abuse. Dermoscopy is noninvasive tool for diagnosis of many infestations and infections. Dermoscopy in dermatophytosis is not well documented. We evaluated dermatoscopic patterns to correlate with histopathological changes. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted in tertiary hospital after obtaining ethical clearance and informed consent. DermLite 3 dermoscope was used to examine the lesions. Polarized and nonpolarized modes were used and ultrasound gel was utilized. Potassium hydroxide mount and skin biopsy was done to confirm the diagnosis. Results: About 30 patients with 16 males and 14 females were present. Median duration was 3.5 months and median age was 30 years. The most common site was waist and crural area affecting 20 (66.66%). Dermoscopy revealed brown to black dots, globules, and white scales in all patients (100.0%). Lesions of shorter duration (26.66%) demonstrated red dots, dotted vessels, reddish-brown dots, and globules, and brown to black dots and globules were noted in lesions of longer duration (73.33%). Hair changes were noted in five (16.66%) patients. Conclusion: Dermoscopy showed particular patterns in dermatophytosis. Patterns were consistent irrespective of age, sex, and site of involvement. Presence of reddish-brown and black globules with white scales was found to be the most characteristic dermoscopic feature.