Which histopathological finding is characteristically described in the papillary dermis of melasma skin?

• A Granular deposition of amyloid
• B Thickened basement membrane with immune deposits
• C Basal cell vacuolar degeneration
• D Solar elastosis ✓

Explanation

Melasma histology shows increased melanin in epidermis or dermis along with prominent solar elastosis in the papillary dermis, reflecting its photoaggravated nature. Basal layer melanocyte activity is increased but melanocyte number is normal. Vacuolar degeneration suggests lichenoid dermatitis, and granular amyloid points to macular amyloidosis, neither of which occurs in melasma.

Reference: Rook's Textbook of Dermatology, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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