INTRODUCTION:

 Identification of the underlying causes of idiopathic cutaneous hyperchromia at the orbital region (ICHOR) is crucial in selecting the best therapeutic management.

OBJECTIVE: 

This study aims to evaluate the histopathological changes of different types of ICHOR.

METHODS: 

Forty-nine healthy volunteers were classified into (i) hyperpigmented (ii) hypervascularised or (iii) tear trough groups. Melanin deposit, hemosiderin deposit, blood vessels dilatation, perifollicular inflammation, structures of epidermis ridges were assessed histologically. Its association with the type of ICHOR was analysed using Pearson's chi-squared test.

RESULTS: 

A total of 53.1% ICHOR subjects was diagnosed as hyperpigmented, 16.3% as hypervascularised and 30.6% as tear trough and. Pearson's chi-squared test showed that hyperpigmented group associated with high level of melanin deposit (p<0.05), and invagination of melanin pigments into the dermal layer (p<0.05). Hypervascularity was associated with dilated blood vessel (p<0.05). Interestingly, tear trough was associated with dilated blood vessels (p<0.05) and perifollicular inflammation (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Each type of ICHOR showed distinct histopathological changes, selection of precise targeted therapy is important in treating ICHOR effectively.

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