Quiz
Brown skin lesions – 12 cases

Brown skin colour is most often due to melanin, a protein produced in the epidermis by melanocytes. Various dermopathies have characteristic patterns of pigmentation.

For each of the twelve cases, study the image(s) and then answer the questions. You can click on the image to view a larger version if required.

Each case should take approximately 2 minutes to complete. There is a list of suggested further reading material at the end of the quiz.

Case 4

Name this/these brown-coloured skin patch/es.

Melasma

Describe the condition

Melasma presents as a symmetrical tan or dark patchy discolouration of the forehead, cheeks, upper lip and jawline. It is more common in females, particularly in association with pregnancy and exogenous progesterone. There is genetic predisposition and it is significantly aggravated by sun exposure. Rarely, it arises on the arms, where it is called Acquired Brachial Cutaneous Dyspigmentation (ABCD). Histologically, there is increased melanin in the epidermis and/or the dermis, with more active but not more numerous melanocytes.

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Quiz Brown skin lesions – 12 cases

Case 4

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Quiz
Brown skin lesions – 12 cases