Pityriasis rosea: dermoscopic features in Uganda

Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed to describe the dermoscopic features of pityriasis rosea among patients attending the skin clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. Patients and methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study conducted for a 6-month period in the skin clinic of MRRH in Southwestern Uganda. Data were collected from consecutively recruited patients using structured questionnaires. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of pityriasis rosea were examined using a dermoscope and subsequently sent for KOH and TPHA tests to rule out fungal skin infection and secondary syphilis, respectively, and then received routine care at the skin clinic. Results: There were 54 patients with pityriasis rosea seen. Dermoscopy was done on a total of 162 lesions of which 19 were herald patches, 51 were truncal lesions, 52 on the extremities while 40 were on the face and neck regions. Common dermoscopic features consisted of a violaceous background noted in 145 (89.51%), white scales in 161 (99.38%), diffuse scale distribution in 57 (35.19%), perifollicular scale type in 61 (37.65%), and brown-dotted pigmentary changes in 66 (40.74%). Other unique findings noted in a few lesions were cloudy structures, petechial spots, erosions, and punched out pits. Conclusion: Most prevalent dermoscopic features included: a violaceous background, white scales, diffuse scale distribution, perifollicular scale type, brown-dotted pigmentary changes with no visible blood vessels nor follicular changes. Other unique less frequently seen findings were cloudy structures, petechial spots, erosions, and punched out pits.