Pigmentary demarcation lines on the face in Saudi women.
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.
Al-Samary
Abdullah
A
Department of Dermatology, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Al Mohizea
Saad
S
Bin-Saif
Ghada
G
Al-Balbeesi
Amal
A
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