Comparative study of dermoscopic findings in hyperkeratotic palmoplantar eczema and palmoplantar psoriasis

Introduction: A dermoscope is a valuable tool in dermatology, magnifying skin lesions and reducing the need for biopsies. It helps differentiate between conditions like hyperkeratotic palmoplantar eczema, characterized by yellow scales, crusts, and dotted vessels, and palmoplantar psoriasis, showing white scales and evenly distributed dotted vessels. Dermoscopic evaluation aids in accurate diagnosis, preventing unnecessary invasive procedures. Aim and Objective: The study aims to compare dermoscopic findings in hyperkeratotic palmoplantar eczema and psoriasis, analyse clinical differences, and confirm diagnostic accuracy using dermoscopy. Material and Methods: The study is a hospital-based, cross-sectional, observational study conducted at a tertiary care centre. It compares cases of hyperkeratotic palmoplantar eczema and palmoplantar psoriasis. After ethical clearance, 137 cases were divided into 2 groups. Group A (eczema) 74 cases and Group B (psoriasis) 63 cases, sampled from outpatients. Results: The study compared dermoscopic findings in two groups with similar age (59-60% aged 31-50, p=0.711) and sex distribution (52% male, p=0.893). Group A had 60.8% on topical drugs, while 63.5% of Group B were on combined therapy (p<0.001). Nail changes were more frequent in Group B (25.4% coarse pitting, p<0.001), and vessel types differed, with Group B showing more dotted vessels (88.9%, p<0.001). Dot globules and yellowish crusts were present only in Group A (p<0.001)