Pigmented Rings With Central Clearing: A Dermoscopic Feature of Melasma

The study identifies a novel dermoscopic feature of melasma called pigmented rings with central clearing (PRCC), observed in 66% of the 94 patients with melasma. This feature is associated with eccrine ductal openings rather than follicular structures, distinguishing it from perifollicular hyperpigmentation. PRCC was significantly more prevalent among South Asian patients, potentially due to higher eccrine sweat gland densities. The presence of PRCC can aid in the non-invasive diagnosis of melasma using dermoscopy, enhancing diagnostic accuracy at the bedside.