MELASMA;

QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Melasma is an acquired, chronic, recurrent symmetrical
hypermelanosis which is characterized by brown patches of variable darkness on sun exposed
areas of the body primarily on the face.1,2 Melasma is more common in Asians and in people
who live in locations that receive high intensity UV radiation.3,4 Melasma is a skin disease that
significantly affects social and emotional wellbeing of the patients as well as their Quality of Life
(QoL). Objectives: To find out the impact of melasmaon quality of life of the patients. Study
Design: It is a descriptive study and the sample (patients), were selected through convenient
sampling. Place and Duration of study: The study was conducted in the department of
psychiatry & Dermatology department of Bahawal Vicortoria Hospital, Bahawalpur from July to
December 2016. Material and Methods: Hundred patients having melasma including 11 males
and 89 females from both departments were included in the study. Two questionnaires were
applied for measuring target variables, these were (i) Dermatology Life Quality Index to assess
the effect of melasma on quality of life (DLQI) and (ii) Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) to
determine the severity of melasma. Results: The study included 100 patients of which 89 were
females while 11 were males. Mean age of the patients was 27+6. Regarding the educational
status of patients, the majority (36%) were graduates and 16% had a Masters degree. Of these
patients, 53% were unmarried while 47% were married. Mean DLQI was slightly higher for
female patients (13.48) as compared to male patients (12.82). Mean MASI was also higher
in females (15.26) as compared to males which was (14.39). Conclusions: Melasma causes
significant negative impact on quality of life especially in women.