Background : Loss of pigment, either partial (hypopigmentation) or complete (depigmentation), can have a profound psychological impact, perhaps seemingly out of proportion for something that is almost exclusively benign. Atopic dermatitis(AD) is the commonest cause of hypopigmentation that appears to be increasing in frequency during recent decades. Most of the studies are based on the western population, few data available in the South Asian population. Other causes are pityriasis versicolor, photodermatitis, post inflammatory hypopigmentation, leprosy and vitiligo.
Objectives : To determine the percentage of patients, could be diagnosed by the clinical examination alone, requiring additional procedures for diagnosis (Ex: Scraping, biopsy, etc) and percentage of patients having generalized disease.
Methods : A descriptive study of hypopigmented lesions at the skin clinic of Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children Colombo, during 01st April to 30th Sep. 2011. All children had a complete clinical evaluation. Diagnosis of lesions done according to the current guidelines.
Results : Out of presented patients, AD and AD related dermatological conditions were commonest (28.3%). Mean age was 2.94 years(SD ±2.91), where 52.1% were females. 84.5% were diagnosed clinically, scrapings were performed in 11.4% of the remaining patients for diagnosis. Facial lesions (60.4 %), facial and upper limbs (12.6 %) and facial and truncal lesions(11.8%) were seen.
Conclusions : Commonest hypopigmented skin lesion related to atopic dermatitis. Most common anatomical sites were face, upper limbs and trunk. Most can be diagnosed clinically.