Dermoscopic Features of Plantar and Palmar Melanocytic Nevi in Children: Dermoscopy of Children's Plantar and Palmar Melanocytic Nevi.

Abstract

<h4>Introduction</h4>Plantar and palmar melanocytic nevi constitute a distinct subtype of nevi, characterized by unique dermoscopic patterns. Currently, limited research has focused on the dermoscopic features of plantar and palmar melanocytic nevi in children.<h4>Objective</h4>To characterize the dermoscopic features of congenital and acquired plantar and palmar melanocytic nevus in children and to evaluate the diagnostic contribution of dermoscopy.<h4>Methods</h4>A retrospective analysis was conducted on 180 pediatric patients initially clinically diagnosed with plantar and palmar nevi. Dermoscopic evaluation was performed using Dermo-II system, followed by histopathological confirmation.<h4>Results</h4>Histopathology confirmed 172 plantar and palmar nevi and 8 cases of black heel. The most prevalent dermoscopic patterns were the parallel furrow pattern (54.65%), fibrillar pattern (22.09%), and reticular pattern (10.47%). No significant differences were observed between congenital and acquired nevi. Dermoscopy achieved 100% concordance with histopathology, significantly higher than clinical diagnosis alone (95.56%; p = 0.0075).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Dermoscopy is a reliable, non-invasive adjunct for diagnosing pediatric plantar and palmar nevi, potentially reducing unnecessary excisions.