PIGMENTARY PROBLEMS IN THE TROPICS

Pigmentary problems are one of the most frequent causes of dermatologi c consultation in the tropics. This article deals with disease seen mo stly in tropical countries (ashy dermatosis, lichen planus pigmentosus , frictional dermatitis, pityriasis versicolor, and pinta), in which a combination of racial, ecologic, nutritional, and social factors all contribute. Other common dermatoses seen worldwide, such as vitiligo a nd melasma, sometimes acquire dramatic expressions in tropical countri es, and their management is usually difficult even for the most experi enced dermatologist.