Photoaging assessment by Glogau classification: correlation of dermoscopy findings in the coastal population of Indonesia.

INTRODUCTION: To date, there is no gold standard for identifying photoaging. This study investigates the correlation of photoaging profiles based on the Glogau scale and the dermoscopy photoaging scale (DPAS) in a coastal population.

METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Cilincing Municipal Health Center in Jakarta in October 2022. Individuals living in the coastal area, 20 years and older, with Fitzpatrick skin types III-V, and with a mean daily sun exposure of ≥ 3 hours were included. The Glogau scale and DPAS were assessed through history taking, physical examination, and dermoscopic examination. A Spearman correlation test was used to assess the correlation between the Glogau scale and DPAS.

RESULTS: Thirty individuals with a mean age of 41.5 ± 11.5 years participated in the study. The median Glogau score was 3 (range: 2-4). The mean DPAS score was 28.5 ± 5.6. Lentigo, hypo-hyperpigmented macules, telangiectasia, deep wrinkles, and superficial wrinkles were observed in all subjects. There was a moderate positive correlation between the Glogau scale and DPAS (r = 0.536, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS: The Glogau scale has a significant correlation with DPAS. DPAS can serve as a reliable, easy, practical, and fast diagnostic tool to assess the severity of aging.