title: Photoletter to the editor: Exogenous pigmentation after Diplopoda exposure leading to a dermatoscopic parallel ridge pattern on the plantar region.
abstract: The millipedes (also known as "gongolos") are arthropods characterized by a cylindrical body consisting of rings. When threatened, they release chemicals that can cause erythema and hyperpigmentation. We report the case of a patient who developed a darkened macule on the plantar region after stepping on a millipede. Dermatoscopic examination showed a parallel-ridge pattern, which is considered typical for acral melanoma. A detailed history was essential for the diagnosis, as the clinical and dermatoscopic features suggested a malignant melanocytic lesion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Hospital Central do Exército, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil;
authors.forename: Tainá Scalfoni
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Fracaroli
authors.affiliation: Dermatologist, Goiânia, GO, Brazil;
authors.forename: Ludmilla Queirós
authors.initials: LQ
authors.lastname: Miranda
authors.affiliation: Departments of Dermatology and Anatomic Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) - Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil;
authors.forename: Juan Piñeiro
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Maceira
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) - Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Carlos Baptista
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Barcaui
keywords: arthropods; dermatoscopy; dermoscopy; melanoma; parallel ridge; simulation