ULTRAVIOLET-RADIATION OF MELANOCYTIC NEVI - A DERMOSCOPIC STUDY

Background: UV radiation can lead to clinical, histological, and ultra structural changes in melanocytic nevi. In this study, we investigated whether exposure to 2 minimal erythema doses of UV radiation induces changes in the dermoscopic image of acquired melanocytic nevi. Observa tions: Fifteen melanocytic nevi were exposed to 2 minimal erythema dos es of UV radiation. Differences in dermoscopic parameters (asymmetry, border, erythema, and telangiectasias in the nevus; pigmentation; hypo pigmented areas; presence, regularity, and sharpness of pigment networ k; and brown-black globules) in digital dermoscopic images taken befor e and 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after UV irradiation were scored. Three da ys after UV irradiation, the borders of nevi were more faded (P<.02), the nevi were darker brown (P<.02), the hypopigmented areas were small er (P<.02), and the pigment network structures were more faded (P<.007 ) and less prominent (P<.02) than before UV irradiation. Seven days af ter UV irradiation, pigmented globules have also grown (P<.05). After 28 days, all parameters, except hypopigmented areas, were essentially the same as before UV irradiation. Conclusion: UV irradiation of melan ocytic nevi with 2 minimal erythema doses induces transient changes in their dermoscopic appearance that are sometimes suggestive of maligna nt melanoma.