The dermoscopic features of facial aging among Egyptians: A comparative study between males and females

Background: Few studies have evaluated facial photoaging by dermoscopy. Only one study has been performed among Egyptians.

Objective: To study and compare the dermoscopic features of facial aging in males and females and to relate these features to clinical criteria.

Methods: This study included 217 subjects divided into two groups; 117 males and 100 females. Each group was classified into three subgroups according to age. The dermoscopic features were reported according to dermoscopy photoaging scale (DPAS) criteria besides diffuse erythema and seborrheic keratosis and were related to significant clinical factors.

Results: The most prominent DPAS features in males were yellowish discoloration, hypo-hyperpigmented macules, superficial wrinkles, criss-cross wrinkles, and deep wrinkles. The most prominent DPAS findings in females were yellow papules, hypo-hyperpigmented macules, solar lentigo, and superficial wrinkles. A significant difference between males and females was detected regarding yellowish discoloration, white lines, hypo-hyperpigmented macules, senile comedones, telangiectasia, all wrinkle types, and DPAS score besides diffuse erythema and seborrheic keratosis. The DPAS score and the dermoscopic features were more prominent with male gender, increase in age, sun exposure, Glogau's scale, and smoking and were detected early in skin phototypes II and III.

Conclusion: We found a significant difference in various dermoscopic features in males compared to age-matched females. Also, we detected increase in DPAS features and score with male gender, aging, sun exposure, Glogau's scale, and smoking. Therefore, dermoscopy is an objective technique that detects selectively photoaging in males and females that aids in proper choice of various targeted treatment modalities.