Continuing Education Activity

Riehl melanosis is an acquired pigmentary disorder that predominantly affects darker-skinned individuals, particularly older women. This condition is characterized by brown-gray reticulated-to-diffuse hyperpigmented macules or patches on the face, neck, and upper chest. Riehl melanosis is believed to result from a type IV hypersensitivity reaction triggered by contact allergens such as personal fragrances, textiles, and cosmetics. However, genetic factors, autoimmune conditions, and UV light exposure may also contribute to the condition's development. Management involves allergen avoidance, sun protection, and various tailored topical, oral, and procedural therapies to meet individual patient needs. Regular monitoring using the dermal pigmentation area and severity index (DPASI) is necessary to gauge treatment efficacy and mitigate potential psychosocial impacts.

Despite the distinctive clinical presentation of Riehl melanosis, a thorough evaluation is necessary for its differential diagnosis, including skin biopsy, dermoscopy, and reflectance confocal microscopy. This is crucial to differentiate it from similar conditions within the spectrum of acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation, such as erythema dyschromicum perstans and lichen planus pigmentosus. Although pigmented contact dermatitis bears similarities to Riehl melanosis, the extent of inflammation observed creates the distinctions between them. A definitive treatment or cure for Riehl melanosis remains elusive, and outcomes may vary depending on the chosen modality. This activity provides healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools to accurately diagnose, effectively manage, and prevent adverse effects of the condition, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

Objectives:

• Identify the clinical manifestations and characteristic features of Riehl melanosis.

• Screen patients presenting with hyperpigmented macules or patches for potential Riehl melanosis through accurate diagnostic techniques.

• Select the most suitable treatment modalities based on patient preference, disease severity, and comorbidities.

• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care and treatment outcomes, ensuring effective management and addressing any complications or relapses promptly and effectively.

Introduction

Riehl melanosis is an acquired pigmentary disorder that predominantly affects darker-skinned individuals, particularly older women. This condition is characterized by brown-gray reticulated-to-diffuse hyperpigmented macules or patches on the face, neck, and upper chest (see Image 1. Clinical Photographs of Riehl Melanosis).[1] The etiology is presumed to be a type IV hypersensitivity reaction triggered by contact allergens such as personal fragrances, textiles, and cosmetics. However, genetic factors, autoimmune conditions, and UV light exposure may also contribute to the condition's development.[2]

Despite the distinctive clinical presentation of Riehl melanosis, a thorough evaluation is necessary for its differential diagnosis, which may involve various techniques such as skin biopsy, patch testing, dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, or newer diagnostic tools following an initial clinical examination of the patients. These tools are crucial for diagnosing and distinguishing Riehl melanosis from other differential diagnoses, including conditions such as lichen planus pigmentosus and erythema dyschromicum perstans, all falling under the spectrum of acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation. Histopathological examination of a skin biopsy will reveal basal layer vacuolar degeneration accompanied by colloid bodies and pigment incontinence.[3] 

Apart from allergen avoidance, management of this condition involves sun protection and various tailored regular skincare measures. Treatment options include topical therapies (such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, and retinoids), oral therapies (such as tranexamic acid, glycyrrhizin, and mycophenolate mofetil), chemical peels (such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid), and lasers and light therapy (such as 1064-nm quality-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser and intense pulsed light) to meet individual patient needs.[4] Regular monitoring using the dermal pigmentation area and severity index (DPASI) is necessary to gauge treatment efficacy and mitigate potential psychosocial impacts. This involves ensuring regular observation for improvement of hyperpigmentation, which can have deleterious effects if left untreated, particularly in patients with Riehl melanosis.[5]

Riehl melanosis was first described by Gustav Riehl in 1917, who observed striking rough, indurated brown-gray pigmentation on the forehead, temporal, and zygomatic regions on patients' faces (see Image 2. Riehl Melanosis on the Left Cheek).[6] Initially, it was believed to be related to nutritional substitutions resulting from wartime food measures, such as poor-quality flour. However, it later became evident that it was also present on the faces of women who used cosmetic products.[6][7] Consequently, the condition transitioned from being termed war dermatosis to melanosis faciei feminae, eventually becoming known simply as Riehl melanosis.[1] 

Riehl melanosis belongs to a group of conditions collectively referred to as acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation (previously known as macular pigmentation of uncertain etiology). This group may encompass Riehl melanosis, erythema dyschromicum perstans, lichen planus pigmentosus, melasma, exogenous ochronosis, idiopathic macular eruptive pigmentation, and pigmented contact dermatitis.[2][8] The acquired dermal macular pigmentation disorders have similar clinical and histopathological findings.[9] 

Pigmented contact dermatitis is considered a variant of Riehl melanosis, with an identified contact allergen, such as cosmetics like kumkum (see Image 5. Kumkum-Induced Pigmented Contact Dermatitis).[9] Although pigmented contact dermatitis shares similarities with Riehl melanosis, the extent of inflammation observed creates distinctions between them. Some experts consider pigmented contact dermatitis and Riehl melanosis identical; however, this view may be controversial, as pigmented contact dermatitis typically exhibits minimal to no inflammation compared to Riehl melanosis. Thus, this group of conditions may be classified as acquired dermal macular pigmentation with or without contact sensitization.[1] Please see StatPearls' companion resource, "Contact Dermatitis," for further information. 

Etiology

The etiology of Riehl melanosis is unknown, but many intrinsic and extrinsic factors have been proposed.[1] These factors include genetic predisposition to Riehl melanosis, predilection for autoimmune conditions, type IV hypersensitivity reactions, and UV light exposure.[10][11][12][13][14] 

Etiopathogenesis of Riehl Melanosis

Although not all features must be present for Riehl melanosis, the below-mentioned factors may contribute to its etiopathogenesis.

Type IV hypersensitivity reaction: Riehl melanosis typically arises in areas of fragrance or cosmetic product application, suggesting allergic contact dermatitis as its primary cause.[1] The presence of basal cell liquefaction and degeneration on reflectance confocal microscopy implies a chronic inflammatory state that may surpass the more commonly encountered contact dermatitis.[15] Inflammatory changes are believed to disturb melanin synthesis, distribution, and degradation, resulting in dispersed melanin granules within the superficial dermis, which are subsequently phagocytosed by melanophages, leading to pigment incontinence on histopathology.[3] This reaction is associated with a stratum basale cytolytic reaction rather than an eczematous stratum spinosum reaction.[7] 

Genetic factors: Elevated guanine deaminase function is observed in patients with Riehl melanosis, correlating with upregulation of stem cell factor, endothelin-1, c-kit gene products, and estrogen and progesterone receptors.[11] Next-generation sequencing has identified increased guanine deaminase function in Riehl melanosis, potentially predisposing individuals to basement membrane or keratinocyte damage.[16]

Autoimmune association: The significant correlation between Riehl melanosis and concurrent autoimmune conditions suggests a potential autoimmune association with Riehl melanosis. Riehl melanosis has been associated with Sjögren syndrome, AIDS, systemic lupus erythematosus, and thyroid disease.[10][1] Riehl melanosis has also been associated with anti-SSA (anti-Ro) antibodies. Notably, it has been postulated that these antibodies on keratinocytes destabilize the extracellular matrix and predispose patients to immune dysregulation.[17][1][18] Additionally, Riehl melanosis may exhibit immune dysregulation through alterations in human leukocyte antigen (HLA), particularly in HLA-A2, HLA-DPA1, and HLA-DPB1. Other proposed pathways include the activation of T-cells with CD8 and CD45RO markers, adrenocorticotropin-related hormone, or melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R).[1][18]

UV light exposure: The photodistributed presentation of Riehl melanosis has led to speculation about its relationship with the etiopathogenesis of the condition. It is suggested that it may be associated with photosensitization of allergens, as photopatch testing has been observed to replicate pigmented reactions similar to Riehl melanosis.[10][19] UV light exposure may activate dermal fibroblast CCN1 protein, which in turn induces melanogenesis by binding to integrin α6β1, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1 and 2. These signaling cascades activate microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1).[1][12]

Several contact allergens, including airborne allergens, have been associated with Riehl melanosis and are listed in the table below (see Table).[20][21][7][22] Additional allergens, including medications (such as minoxidil 5%) and endogenous factors (such as digestive disorders), have also been implicated.[22][6][23]

Table. Commons Allergens in Riehl Melanosis

Epidemiology

A typical patient with Riehl melanosis is an older woman with a darker skin type who applies cosmetic products to her face or neck. Riehl melanosis is predominantly observed in women than men and has been noted to correspond with the reproductive cycle, suggesting hormonal mediation.[25] The condition is particularly observed to be prevalent in individuals with darker skin tones, notably those of Asian or Hispanic origin.[26] Riehl melanosis is more frequently encountered in older individuals, often associated with practices such as hair coloring with henna, and is rare among younger patients.[13] Although precise data on the incidence and prevalence of Riehl melanosis remain unknown, evidence suggests an increasing trend.[27]

Histopathology

A skin biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing Riehl melanosis, although in some cases, a thorough clinical history may be adequate without the need for a biopsy.[1] When a skin biopsy is performed, histopathological features characteristic of Riehl melanosis may include the following findings:[28][29][3]

• Basal vacuolar degeneration with colloid bodies
• Pigment incontinence with pilosebaceous involvement
• Increased dermal melanophages and increased epidermal melanocytes
• Perivascular, epidermal, or dermal inflammatory infiltrates (such as mononuclear cells, eosinophils, and lymphocytes) 
• Dilated blood vessels
• Interface changes
• Hypergranulosis (although more common in lichen planus pigmentosus)
• Epidermal spongiosis

Perilesional skin may show similar features but to a lesser extent. Generally, the histopathology of Riehl melanosis may be nonspecific. The use of melanin stains (such as Melan-A and Fontana-Masson) may reveal increased melanin deposition.[29]

History and Physical

Patients with Riehl melanosis may present with erythema, edema, and pruritus preceding pigmentation or with pigmentation alone. This initial inflammatory phase putatively underlies the onset of allergic contact dermatitis.[20][30] Upon physical examination, patients may exhibit patchy-to-diffuse hyperpigmentation, which may appear scaly and accompanied by nearby satellite perifollicular pigmented macules. These macules are typically a few millimeters in size, in contrast to the larger patches commonly observed in conditions such as lichen planus pigmentosus and erythema dyschromicum perstans (also known as ashy dermatosis).[1] A reticulated pattern is often evident at the center of the pigmented areas.[20][7] The shades of pigmentation, which may vary from brown to blue or gray, depend on factors such as severity, skin type, and causal agents (see Image 3. Riehl Melanosis on Bilateral Cheeks).[20][7] 

The usual presentation of Riehl melanosis occurs on the face, with the forehead, temple, or zygomatic areas being the most frequently affected regions. In cases associated with textiles, Riehl melanosis manifests on the anterior thighs or axillae while sparing the vault.[20][22] When the implicated allergens are photosensitizers, pigmentation tends to be more pronounced in sun-exposed areas such as the chest, neck, scalp, or hands.[31]

Evaluation

Diagnosing and evaluating Riehl melanosis can pose challenges. Diagnostic tools include skin biopsy, dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, and patch testing. While a skin biopsy may aid in diagnosing Riehl melanosis, patients may decline due to concerns about scarring or undesirable cosmetic outcomes, especially in cosmetically sensitive areas affected by the condition. Skin biopsies are often unnecessary or inappropriate if a contact allergen can be identified.[1] Ongoing research explores newer diagnostic tools, including serum biomarkers, such as guanine deaminase, and optical coherence tomography. Cellular resolution optical coherence tomography imaging can reveal melanocyte capping, basement membrane degeneration, telangiectasias, and dermal melanophages.[32] 

DermoscopyDermoscopy reveals pseudo networks characterized by brown or gray dots and globules arranged in an arcuate, semiarcuate, or hexagonal pattern.[33] Additionally, telangiectasias, scale, perifollicular hypopigmented halos, and follicular keratotic plugs have been observed.[3] A grading scale based on dermoscopy categorizes the dermoscopic features of Riehl melanosis into 4 grades, which include:[5]

• Grade 1: Randomly distributed sparse dots with light brown macules and patches.

• Grade 2: Dots with occasional globules, appearing as broken or semiarcuate formations.

• Grade 3: Reticulate dots and globules with occasional blotches.

• Grade 4: Thick spots, globules, and blotches with pigment network destruction, clinically presenting as widespread brown-black discoloration

Reflectance Confocal MicroscopyUpon correlation with conventional histopathologic examination, findings consistent with disorders of increased pigmentation are observed.[28] These findings include multiple bright, refractile oval-to-stellate melanophages and basal layer liquefactive changes, which are characteristic of acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation.[1][34] Reflectance confocal microscopy mirrors the following features seen in histopathology:[28][15]

• Epidermal or superficial dermal inflammatory cell infiltrates, such as monocytes.

• Basal layer vacuolar degeneration with obscured papillary rims and obliteration of the ring-like dermal papillae.

• Pigment incontinence.

• Dilated vessels with prominent surrounding linear or round canalicular structures.

• Dilated, hyperkeratotic infundibula with highly refractive material

Patch TestingPatch testing is recommended to identify a potential causative agent that patients may continue to use, promoting low-level chronic inflammation consistent with the condition.[3] Closed patch testing should be performed with standard series, cosmetic series, fragrance series, and other patient-provided products.[1] For patients with suspected photoallergy, photopatch testing should be pursued. Patch testing has been shown to identify the cause of Riehl melanosis in approximately 80% of cases.[3] Standard closed-patch testing may prove inadequate for diagnosis due to the low allergen concentration. In cases where patients exhibit a negative test result but maintain a high clinical suspicion for Riehl melanosis or when the result is equivocal, a repeated open application test (ROAT) is recommended.[1] If the ROAT yields equivocal results on the forearm, further evaluation on the face or other affected areas should be conducted.[22]

MonitoringClinical improvement can be measured with the DPASI, an objective scoring system of 6 facial segments: forehead, left cheek, right cheek, central face (from the glabella to the chin extending laterally from the medial canthus of the eye to the lateral edges of the oral commissure).[35] In each segment, dermoscopy grading (which is correlated with histopathologic findings) on a 1 to 4 grading scale is multiplied by a factor based on the surface area of the segment. The DPASI was validated in a study of 55 patients as a reliable indicator of acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation severity.[9]

The following calculation results in a score ranging from 0 to 40:[36][35]

DPASI = Forehead + Left cheek + Right cheek + Central face + Left neck + Right neck, where

• Forehead = % forehead involvement × dermoscopy grade × 2
• Left cheek = % left cheek involvement × dermoscopy grade × 2
• Right cheek = % right cheek involvement × dermoscopy grade × 2
• Central face = % central face involvement × dermoscopy grade × 1
• Left neck = % left neck involvement × dermoscopy grade × 1.5
• Right neck = % right neck involvement × dermoscopy grade × 1.5

Treatment / Management

All individuals with Riehl melanosis should avoid using products containing identified allergens and adhere to regular sun protection measures.[13] Although several therapeutic approaches have been proposed with variable results, a definitive treatment or cure for Riehl melanosis is yet to be established, and treatment outcomes may vary depending on the chosen modality.[20][23] Studied treatment modalities include both medical and procedural treatments.

Medical Therapies

Topical therapies encompass a range of options, including hydroquinone (2% or 4% cream), retinoids, topical corticosteroids, kojic acid, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, and lignin peroxidase.[4][1][23][1] Lignin peroxidase is an enzyme derived from Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a fungus in woody plants, which exhibits melanin decolorization properties.[37] In a split-face study involving 60 women with facial dyspigmentation, lignin peroxidase demonstrated notable improvements in skin texture, roughness, and overall appearance by week 2, with a reduction in spot size observed by week 12 compared to untreated areas. Compared to hydroquinone, lignin peroxidase exhibited similar efficacy but showed superior outcomes in skin texture and roughness.[38] Lignin peroxidase lotion has demonstrated efficacy in treating melasma, with reported improvements in luminance.[39] In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face single-center study involving 51 patients, the use of lignin peroxidase cream twice daily significantly reduced the melanin index compared to both placebo and 2% hydroquinone cream.[40]

A few oral therapies used to treat Riehl melanosis are listed below.

Tranexamic acid: Tranexamic acid is a lysine derivative utilized in the treatment of Riehl melanosis functions by obstructing melanocyte-keratinocyte interactions through the plasmin-plasminogen system. This acid putatively inhibits melanin synthesis in melanocytes and inhibits neovascularization.[4] A regimen of oral tranexamic acid (500 mg) combined with glycyrrhizin compound (150 mg) daily over a period of 3 weeks has shown efficacy in treating Riehl melanosis. In a study involving 10 patients, 7 exhibited marked improvement in both the Melanin Index and the Erythema Index.[41] 

Glycyrrhizin: Glycyrrhizic acid (glycyrrhizin), the active component of licorice root, exhibits steroid-like properties. In oral form, it demonstrates anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, making it useful in various pigmentation disorders, including vitiligo.[42][43] In patients with Riehl melanosis, glycyrrhizin decreases inflammation, pruritus, erythema, and edema.[4] However, caution is warranted due to potential adverse effects stemming from its impact on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.[44]

Mycophenolate mofetil: Mycophenolate mofetil, an immunomodulator and immunosuppressive agent, acts by targeting purine production to decrease melanin content in affected areas.[4] In an open-label pilot study involving 43 patients with acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation, the use of mycophenolate mofetil resulted in significant improvement in DPASI scores.[45][19]

Procedural TherapiesProcedural treatments for Riehl melanosis include chemical peels and laser or light therapy. Chemical peels induce controlled epidermal and dermal destruction, promoting skin remodeling and rejuvenation, thus improving Riehl melanosis.[46] Salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and glycolic acid peels have demonstrated efficacy in Riehl melanosis treatment.[47][23][20] Additionally, pulsed-type microneedling radiofrequency has shown promise in 44 patients with melasma or Riehl melanosis. Patients received 5 treatments at 2-week intervals, resulting in clinical improvement evidenced by decreases in the Erythema Index, Melanin Index, transepidermal water loss, and histopathologic findings indicating reduced melanin, melanophages, and dermal vascular proliferation, along with decreased CD44 and basic-fibroblast growth factor expression.[48]

Various laser modalities have shown promise in treating Riehl melanosis. The 1064-nm quality-switched (Q-switched) neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser used at lower fluence (to reduce adverse effects like postinflammatory hyperpigmentation) is the most studied laser for Riehl melanosis, and it has even been used for cases refractory to other laser treatments like intense pulsed light therapy.[49][50][51][52] Other laser and light treatments for Riehl melanosis include the 755-nm ps alexandrite laser, nonablative 1927-nm fractional thulium fiber laser, and intense pulsed light therapy.[53][54][55] Combining fractional picosecond laser with pulsed dye laser to target dermal melanin and vessels has shown greater efficacy than using a single laser to target pigmentation alone, as measured by DPASI.[56] However, adverse effects such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, rebound aggravation, and guttate hypopigmentation may occur with laser treatments.[1] 

Combination TherapiesCombining multiple therapies may be necessary for recalcitrant forms and could even be considered an initial treatment.[47][41][57] Combinations of treatment modalities for Riehl melanosis include:

• Combining low-fluence 1064-nm quality-switched (Q-switched) neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, hydroquinone cream, and oral tranexamic acid was found to improve Riehl melanosis in 8 patients significantly.[57]

• In a retrospective study of 10 patients in Korea, combining 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with hydroquinone resulted in near-total improvement for most patients, with a mean of 12.1 and 14.6 low-fluence Nd:YAG treatments for marked and near-total improvement, respectively.[58]

• Glycyrrhizin compound at a dosage of 150 mg/d and vitamin C at 100 mg/d, along with salicylic acid peels at a concentration of 30% once every 2 weeks, proved to be a safe and effective treatment for Riehl melanosis in 3 patients.[47]

• Oral tranexamic acid at a dosage of 250 mg/d combined with 4% hydroquinone application and Nd:YAG laser treatment administered every 3 weeks showed improvement in mixed melasma.[59]

• In another study involving 28 patients with refractory Riehl melanosis, treatment with oral tranexamic acid at a dosage of 500 mg daily along with monthly intense pulsed light therapy resulted in better improvement in DPASI and Melanin Index compared to tranexamic acid treatment alone.[60]

Differential Diagnosis

Riehl melanosis must be differentiated from other conditions categorized under acquired dermal macular pigmentation (previously termed macular pigmentation of uncertain etiology). This spectrum includes Riehl melanosis, erythema dyschromia perstans (also known as ashy dermatosis), lichen planus pigmentosus, melasma, exogenous ochronosis, idiopathic macular eruptive pigmentation, and pigmented contact dermatitis.[2][8] The acquired dermal macular pigmentation disorders have similar clinical and histopathological findings.[9]

Some differential diagnoses related to Riehl melanosis include the following conditions:[20][61][23]

• Lichen planus pigmentosus presents as a diffuse slate-gray or black pigmentation affecting overexposed areas and flexures. This condition is generally associated with classic lichen planus.

• Poikiloderma of Civatte manifests clinically as dark pigmentation with a reticulate distribution, telangiectasia, and atrophy on the sides of the neck. Photodynamic substances in cosmetics may have a significant role in its development.

• Erythromelanosis follicularis of the face and neck is characterized by follicular papules surrounded by red-brown pigmentation and causes hair loss. The etiology of this condition is unknown.

• Erythrosis pigmentosa mediofacialis (also known as erythrose peribuccale pigmentaire of Brocq) typically appears as a brown-red pigmentation around the mouth, sparing the vermillion border. Photodynamic molecules in cosmetics are believed to contribute to its development.  

• Linea fusca is characterized by an arciform brown-yellow pigmentation near the hair implantation, primarily affecting the forehead and temporal areas. Other dark patches may appear across the face. This condition is often associated with the use of cosmetics and hat ribbons, although it could also indicate underlying conditions such as encephalitis, central nervous tumors, or neurosyphilis.

• Erythema dyschromicum perstans (also known as ashy dermatosis) manifests as multiple asymptomatic, gradually enlarging hyperpigmented macules with a raised erythematous border. These lesions may merge and cover extensive areas of the face, trunk, and limbs.

Histologically, these diseases exhibit a lichenoid reaction along with other characteristic findings. Other conditions to consider in the differential diagnosis include drug-induced melanoderma (causative drugs include tetracyclines, salicylamides, sulfonamides, chlorpromazine, chlorothiazides, some oral antidiabetics, phenothiazines, minocycline, antimalarials, psychotropic drugs, chemotherapeutic agents, and psoralens), melasma, Nevus of Ota, Hori nevus, Addison disease, exogenous ochronosis, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, idiopathic eruptive macular pigmentation, allergic contact dermatitis, and irritant dermatitis.

Prognosis

Riehl melanosis is not considered life-threatening; however, it poses an increased risk of psychosocial effects as the pigmentation may cause distress to patients.[33] Although the pigmentation tends to lighten over time, it may persist for months or even years. Resistant cases or relapses of Riehl melanosis are not uncommon, particularly if a causative allergen is identified but not avoided.

Complications

Complications of Riehl melanosis may include poor cosmesis, anxiety, depression, or poor quality of life, usually related to the physical appearance associated with the condition.

Deterrence and Patient Education

Patients should diligently adhere to instructions aimed at minimizing the appearance of Riehl melanosis, which may include:

• Avoiding exposure to the causative allergen.

• Using skincare products free of allergens when applicable.

• Implementing sun protection measures such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen (with protection against visible light) and wearing appropriate clothing.

• Steering clear of peak sunlight exposure in affected and other susceptible areas.

• Maintaining continued treatment, as noticeable improvement may take several weeks or months to manifest.

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Patients with Riehl melanosis may require prolonged treatment courses along with regular education to improve this condition. Early identification and intervention for individuals with Riehl melanosis are crucial in mitigating morbidity. The care for patients with Riehl melanosis requires a collaborative approach among healthcare professionals to ensure patient-centered care and enhance overall outcomes. Dermatologists, primary care physicians, cosmetic surgeons, plastic surgeons, allergists, advanced practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers involved in the treatment process should possess the requisite clinical skills and knowledge to accurately diagnose and manage Riehl melanosis. This includes proficiency in recognizing diverse clinical presentations and comprehending the intricacies of diagnostic techniques such as dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy. By working together, these teams can enhance the detection and treatment of Riehl melanosis. Educating patients and caregivers about triggering factors, medication adherence, and optimal practices is crucial for preventing morbidity associated with Riehl melanosis.

A strategic approach is equally crucial, entailing evidence-based strategies to optimize treatment plans while mitigating adverse effects. Ethical considerations must guide decision-making, ensuring informed consent and respecting patient autonomy in treatment decisions. Each healthcare professional must understand their responsibilities and contribute their unique expertise to the patient's care plan, fostering a multidisciplinary approach. Effective interprofessional communication is paramount, enabling seamless information exchange and collaborative decision-making among team members. Care coordination plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the patient's journey from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up is well-managed, minimizing errors and enhancing patient safety. By prioritizing skill, strategy, ethics, responsibilities, interprofessional communication, and care coordination, healthcare professionals can deliver patient-centered care, ultimately improving patient outcomes and enhancing team performance in the management of Riehl melanosis.