Diagnostic Utility of Dermatoscopy in Hydroquinone-Induced Exogenous Ochronosis

The study examined the diagnostic utility of dermatoscopy in identifying hydroquinone-induced exogenous ochronosis in three patients being treated for melasma. Dermatoscopy revealed unique features such as accentuated pseudo-rete patterns and amorphous densely-pigmented structures, which were confirmed by histopathology showing ochre-colored, banana-shaped fibers in the dermis. The findings suggested that dermatoscopy could help differentiate exogenous ochronosis from melasma, potentially avoiding the need for invasive biopsies. The study concluded that dermatologists should recognize these dermatoscopic features and discontinue hydroquinone use immediately upon diagnosis.