A Clinico-Epidemiological Study on Porokeratosis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Genetics
• Pathology

Background:

• Porokeratosis (PK) is a chronic, progressive disorder of keratinization.
• It is characterized by a distinctive hyperkeratotic border and is linked to mevalonate kinase gene mutations.
• Common variants include disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) and porokeratosis of Mibelli.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical and epidemiological patterns of porokeratosis.
• To correlate clinical findings with dermoscopic and histopathological features.
• To highlight the diagnostic utility of dermoscopy and histopathology in PK.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted over 9 months.
• Patients with suspected PK features were evaluated clinically, dermoscopically, and histopathologically.
• Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Main Results:

• Eleven patients (36.36% male, 63.66% female) were included, aged 18-63 years.
• Porokeratosis of Mibelli was the most common clinical type (45.45%).
• The most frequent dermoscopic finding was a double-marginated, white peripheral border; histopathology revealed the characteristic cornoid lamella.

Conclusions:

• Porokeratosis presents a diverse range of clinical variants.
• Dermoscopy and histopathology are essential for diagnosing PK, with dermoscopy enabling early, non-invasive detection.
• Regular follow-up is vital due to the potential for malignant transformation in some PK variants.