title: Pigmentary demarcation lines on the face in Saudi women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pigmentary demarcation lines (PDL) are physiological abrupt transition lines between hyperpigmented skin and lighter areas. Recent evidence suggests that they involve the face.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To survey facial PDL in Saudi females referred to general dermatology clinics for various complaints and determine any associated risks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Screening for facial lines was done in general dermatology clinics over a year. Whenever a patient was found to have facial PDL, a detailed questionnaire and examination were undertaken.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 1033 patients screened, 144 patients (14%) were found to have at least one of the facial PDLs. The median age of onset was 16 years. The most common line was F with 76 patients (53%). Family history was positive in 51 patients (35%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Facial PDL is a common and chronic pigmentary problem in Saudi women. It should be recognized and differentiated from other similar diseases like melasma. A significant proportion of patients have a milder presentation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Abdullah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al-Samary
authors.forename: Saad
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Al Mohizea
authors.forename: Ghada
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bin-Saif
authors.forename: Amal
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al-Balbeesi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005145:Face / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000473:pathology*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D055815:Young Adult