A STUDY ON COMPARISON OF DERMOSCOPIC PATTERNS ASSOCIATED WITH PLAQUE PSORIASIS AND PITYRIASIS ROSEA IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF PUNE CITY

Abstract

Introduction: Plaque psoriasis (PP) and pityriasis rosea (PR) are common inflammatory skin diseases. Their characteristic appearance allows a clinical diagnosis in a high proportion of patients. This present study was conducted with an objective to determine and compare the dermoscopic patterns associated with PP, and PR to explore the utility of dermoscopy in the examination and diagnosis of these diseases.

Methodology: The present study was a descriptive study conducted in the Department of Skin & V.D. where all PP and PR patients were subjected to general physical examination, cutaneous examination including nail, hair, genitalia, mucosae and dermoscopic examination to note down associated diseases and HIV. Findings were documented in the proforma.

Results: There was female preponderance (58%) while male patients constituted 42%. Dotted vessels in PP were most commonly arranged in a regular distribution (44/50; 88%) and PR (8/12; 66.7%). In PP (29/50; 58%) vessels were associated with dull red background whereas in PR dotted vessels were mostly associated with a yellowish background colour (13/20; 65%).

Conclusion: Plaque psoriasis (PP) and Pityriasis Rosea (PR) reveal specific dermoscopic patterns that may aid the clinical diagnosis. Besides its diagnostic purposes, dermoscopy might provide a useful tool for the evaluation of treatment outcome in patients with PP such as early detection of treatment response.