MELASMA;

Abstract

Introduction: Melasma is an acquired, chronic, recurrent symmetricalhypermelanosis which is characterized by brown patches of variable darkness on sun exposedareas of the body primarily on the face.1,2 Melasma is more common in Asians and in peoplewho live in locations that receive high intensity UV radiation.3,4 Melasma is a skin disease thatsignificantly 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. StudyDesign: It is a descriptive study and the sample (patients), were selected through convenientsampling. Place and Duration of study: The study was conducted in the department ofpsychiatry & Dermatology department of Bahawal Vicortoria Hospital, Bahawalpur from July toDecember 2016. Material and Methods: Hundred patients having melasma including 11 malesand 89 females from both departments were included in the study. Two questionnaires wereapplied for measuring target variables, these were (i) Dermatology Life Quality Index to assessthe effect of melasma on quality of life (DLQI) and (ii) Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) todetermine the severity of melasma. Results: The study included 100 patients of which 89 werefemales while 11 were males. Mean age of the patients was 27+6. Regarding the educationalstatus of patients, the majority (36%) were graduates and 16% had a Masters degree. Of thesepatients, 53% were unmarried while 47% were married. Mean DLQI was slightly higher forfemale patients (13.48) as compared to male patients (12.82). Mean MASI was also higherin females (15.26) as compared to males which was (14.39). Conclusions: Melasma causessignificant negative impact on quality of life especially in women.