Melasma In Women Research Articles

Clinical and Epidemiological Features of Melasma in Women of Iran: A Cross-sectional Study

Clinical and Epidemiological Features of Melasma in Women of Iran: A Cross-sectional Study

Efficacy of oral 5 mg melatonin in the treatment of facial melasma in women: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Efficacy of oral 5 mg melatonin in the treatment of facial melasma in women: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Comparative study of the effectiveness of anti-aging cream with hydroquinone and broadband pulsed light in melasma

BACKGROUND:Melasma is one of the most common types of hyperpigmentation that significantly impair the quality of life of patients. Despite the availability of effective means and methods of hyperpigmentation therapy, to date there are no clear protocols for the management of patients with melasma.
 AIM:of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of anti-aging cream (2% hydroquinone and 0.025% tretinoin) as part of the complex therapy of melasma in women.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS:The article presents data on the comparative evaluation of the clinical efficacy of anti-aging cream (2% hydroquinone and 0.025% tretinoin) in the treatment of melasma in 30 women aged 35 to 46 years. The patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (n=10) received external therapy with anti-aging cream once a day at night for 3 months, group 2 (n=10) received phototherapy with Lumenis M22 Universal IPL Module 1 time a month for 3 months, group 3 (n=10) ― anti-aging cream + phototherapy with Lumenis M22 Universal IPL 1 time per month for 3 months.
 Before the start of therapy, the severity of melasma was determined for all patients based on the calculation of the MASI index (Melasma Area and Severity Index) and the MSS index (Melasma Severity Scale), the level of melanin in the skin was also measured by the method of mexametry, the impact of melasma on the quality of life (QOL) was assessed based on the MELASQoL questionnaire. The effectiveness of therapy was evaluated based on the dynamics of changes in the MASI index and the parameters of the mex before treatment and after 29 days of therapy. Comparison of MELASQoL indicators was carried out before treatment, after 29 days of therapy and 3 months.
 RESULTS:Studies have shown that the most pronounced clinical efficacy, namely, a decrease in the severity of melasma, a decrease in the amount of melanin in the skin and an improvement in QOL was observed in 3 group of patients who received combined therapy with anti-aging cream and phototherapy with Lumenis M22 Universal IPL 1 time per month for 3 months. Also, in group 1 patients who received only external therapy with anti-aging cream, there was a significant decrease in the level of melanin in the skin and an improvement in the quality of life after 29 days of therapy and after 3 months of treatment.
 CONCLUSIONS:The combination of anti-aging cream with hydroquinone with broadband pulsed lights is an effective method of correcting melasma.

The Relationship Between Sunscreen Application and Severity Of Melasma

Backgrounds: Melasma is commonly observed in community among women of reproductive age. Incidence of melasma at least nine times higher in women than men, especially in pregnant women. The relationship between sunscreen application and melasma in women of reproductive age has not been widely studied and the correlation is not clear. This study aims to determine the relationship between sunscreen use and severity of melasma in women of reproductive age. Methods: An analytical observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 31 women of productive age. Results: The results showed that 14 respondents had good sunscreen usage habit (45.2%), whereas 17 respondents had sun protector irregularly (54.8%). A total 27 respondents (74.2%) had mild melasma, whereas 3 respondents had moderate melasma (22.6%) and 1 respondent had severe melasma (3.2%). The Chi-Square test shows that the significance value (p) = 0.000 (p <0.05) so that there is a significant relationship. Conclusions: Meaning that there is a relationship between the use of sunscreen and severity of melasma in women of reproductive age.

French maritime pine bark extract (pycnogenol) in association with triple combination cream for the treatment of facial melasma in women: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Melasma can be recalcitrant to treatment, and relapses are common. Pycnogenol has been reported to be effective in treating melasma. To compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of 75mg pycnogenol taken orally twice a day vs. a placebo, in association with the triple combination and broad-spectrum sunscreen for the treatment of facial melasma. A randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 44 women with facial melasma in a single centre from May 2019 through November 2019. Patients with melasma were randomly assigned to orally take 75mg pycnogenol (PYC) or a placebo (PLAC) twice a day for 60days. Both groups also received tinted sunscreen [Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50; Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) 17] for daytime use and a topical triple combination at bedtime. The primary outcome was a change from the baseline Modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI) score. Secondary outcomes were improvements in the patients' quality of life (MELASQoL), colorimetric indices and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). All participants completed the trial. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 39 (7) years, and 91% were phototypes III-IV. Both groups exhibited a reduction in mMASI scores, MELASQoL scores and colour contrast (P<0.01). The mean (CI 95%) reductions of the mMASI scores were 49% (36-61%) for PYC and 34% (16-47%) for PLAC. The reductions in mMASI scores and colorimetric contrast were superior for the PYC group (P<0.05). The analysis of GAIS resulted in an improvement of 86% (CI 95%: 68-96%) for the participants in the PYC group and 55% (CI 95%: 32-73%) for those in the PLAC group. There were no adverse effects related to oral treatment. Pycnogenol is well-tolerated and increases the effectiveness of broad-spectrum sunscreen and the triple combination in the treatment of facial melasma in women.

A comparative study of topical 5% cysteamine versus 4% hydroquinone in the treatment of facial melasma in women

To assess the efficacy and safety of topical 5% cysteamine versus 4% hydroquinone in the treatment of facial melasma in women. Topical 5% cysteamine is an antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitor that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of melasma. However, to date, no study has compared the performance of topical cysteamine to hydroquinone for facial melasma. A quasi-randomized, multicenter, evaluator-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 40 women with facial melasma who were submitted to the nightly application of 5% cysteamine (CYS) or 4% hydroquinone (HQ) on hyperpigmented areas for 120days. Both groups were required to use tinted sunscreen (SPF 50; PPD 19). Subjects were assessed at the inclusion and after 60 and 120days of treatment for mMASI, MELASQoL, and the difference in colorimetric luminosity between melasma and the adjacent unaffected skin. The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale was used to assess the difference in the appearance of the skin through standardized photographs. The mean reduction of the mMASI scores was 24% for CYS and 41% for HQ (P=0.015) at 60days, and 38% for CYS and 53% for HQ (P=0.017) at 120days. The photographic evaluation revealed up to 74% improvement for both groups, without statistically significant difference between them (P=0.087). The MELASQoL score showed a progressive decrease for both groups over time, despite the greater reduction for HQ after 120days (P=0.018). Colorimetric assessment disclosed progressive depigmenting in both groups, without statistically significant difference between them (P>0.160). No severe adverse effects were identified in either group. Erythema and burning were the most important local adverse effects with cysteamine, although their frequency did not differ between groups (P>0.170). Cysteamine proved to be safe, well-tolerated, and effective, despite its inferior performance to hydroquinone in decreasing mMASI and MELASQoL in the treatment of melasma.

Efficacy and safety of microneedling and oral tranexamic acid in the treatment of facial melasma in women: An open, evaluator-blinded, randomized clinical trial

Efficacy and safety of microneedling and oral tranexamic acid in the treatment of facial melasma in women: An open, evaluator-blinded, randomized clinical trial

African ancestry is associated with facial melasma in women: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMelasma is a chronic acquired focal hypermelanosis affecting photoexposed areas, especially for women during fertile age. Several factors contribute to its development: sun exposure, sex steroids, medicines, and family history. Melanic pigmentation pathway discloses several SNPs in different populations. Here, we evaluated the association between genetic ancestry and facial melasma.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving women with melasma and an age-matched control group from outpatients at FMB-Unesp, Botucatu-SP, Brazil was performed. DNA was extracted from oral mucosa swabs and ancestry determined by studying 61 INDELs. The genetic ancestry components were adjusted by other known risk factors by multiple logistic regression.ResultsWe evaluated 119 women with facial melasma and 119 controls. Mean age was 39 ± 9 years. Mean age at beginning of disease was 27 ± 8 years. Pregnancy (40%), sun exposure (37%), and hormonal oral contraception (22%) were the most frequently reported melasma triggers. All subjects presented admixed ancestry, African and European genetic contributions were significantly different between cases and controls (respectively 10% vs 6%; 77% vs 82%; p < 0.05). African ancestry (OR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07), first generation family history (OR = 3.04; 95% CI 1.56 to 5.94), low education level (OR = 4.04; 95% CI 1.56 to 5.94), and use of antidepressants by individuals with affected family members (OR = 6.15; 95% CI 1.13 to 33.37) were associated with melasma, independently of other known risk factors.ConclusionsFacial melasma was independently associated with African ancestry in a highly admixed population.

Acupuncture for melasma in women: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

Melasma is a common facial skin disorder seen in women. Manual acupuncture (MA) is widely used alone or in combination with conventional treatments for melasma in China. To assess the effectiveness and safety of MA for melasma, and explore the range of treatments applied. Six databases were searched systematically for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture for melasma in women up to November 2014. RevMan software was used for data analysis. The Cochrane tool of Risk of Bias was used to assess the methodological quality of the RCTs. Eight RCTs involving 587 women were included. Seven studies used the encircling needling method, four studies used the quick needling method and four studies used intensive needle manipulations. Five studies provided individualised acupuncture treatments. Points used with highest frequency were SP6, ST36 and SP10. MA was compared with oral tranexamic acid, vitamin C and E, vitamin C and tamoxifen, topical 20% azelaic acid, hydroquinone, vitamin A and no treatment. Studies were too heterogeneous to conduct a meta-analysis. For global outcome measures, seven trials showed that MA groups were significantly better than the conventional treatments either with a better cure rate or with a better combined cure rate and markedly effective rate, and one trial did not (MA vs vitamin A). No acupuncture-related adverse events were reported. MA appeared to be beneficial and safe for women with melasma, but insufficient evidence was found to reach conclusions. The encircling needling method, the quick needling method, intensive needle manipulations and individualised points' selection were widely used. Well-designed trials are required. PROSPERO Systematic review registration: CRD42013006396.

Risk factors for facial melasma in women: a case-control study.

Melasma is a localized chronic acquired hypermelanosis, common in adult women and which has an important impact on their life quality. Its pathology is unknown, despite some recognized triggering factors. To evaluate risk factors for developing facial melasma in women. This was a case-control study involving adult women with or without facial melasma, paired by age. Variables were grouped into hierarchical levels: personal characteristic data, exposure variables, links to hormonal stimuli and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire, Brazilian version. The data were analysed using conditional multiple logistic regression. We evaluated 207 patients and 207 controls. The mean age was 38 years. Cases differed from controls for phototype, Amerindian ancestry [odds ratio (OR) 2·59], years of beach or rural residence (OR 1·06), time exposed to sun at work (OR 1·65), time exposed to sun in leisure activities (OR 1·04), antidepressant/anxiolytic use (OR 4·96), menstrual irregularity (OR 3·83), pregnancy history (OR 3·59), years of oral contraceptive use (OR 1·23) and anxiety scores (OR 1·08). A family history of melasma was reported in 61% of cases and 13% of controls (OR 10·40). Facial melasma is independently associated with elements linked to pigmentation capacity, family ancestry, chronic sun exposure, sexual hormone stimuli, psychotropics and anxiety traits.

Acupuncture for Melasma in Women: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary MedicineVol. 20, No. 5 Clinical ResearchAcupuncture for Melasma in Women: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled TrialsQianyun Chai, Yutong Fei, Hong Yang, Huijuan Cao, and Jianping LiuQianyun ChaiSearch for more papers by this author, Yutong FeiSearch for more papers by this author, Hong YangSearch for more papers by this author, Huijuan CaoSearch for more papers by this author, and Jianping LiuSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:7 May 2014https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2014.5103.abstractAboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail View article"Acupuncture for Melasma in Women: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials." The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(5), pp. A40–A41FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 20Issue 5May 2014 InformationCopyright 2014, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:Qianyun Chai, Yutong Fei, Hong Yang, Huijuan Cao, and Jianping Liu.Acupuncture for Melasma in Women: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.May 2014.A40-A41.http://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2014.5103.abstractPublished in Volume: 20 Issue 5: May 7, 2014PDF download

Warm needling at Back-Shu acupoints for melasma in women

Objective To observe the clinical effect of warm needling at the Back-Shu acupoints for melasma in women.

IgM chlamydia trachomatis antibodies in cases of melasma

Background: Melasma is an acquired photosensitive hypermelanosis in sun-exposed areas, especially seen in females. The exact cause of this disorder is not known. Association of melasma with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) has been described earlier. Chlamydia trachomatis is an important etilogical agent in acute and chronic PID and photosensitivity has been described in almost 50% cases of chronic lymphogranuloma venereum caused by 1.1, 1.2 and 13 serovars of C. trachomatis. Method: Blood of 38 cases of melasma in women and 31 healthy females was tested for the presence of C. trachomatis IgM antibodies by ELISA. Results: The average age of the patients was 35.6(range 19–51) years and that of controls was 38(range 24–55). 7(18.42%) and 5 (13.16%) of the patients of melasma were positive and borderline positive for IgM antibodies respectively. None of the healthy controls were positive. The difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Melasma in women is most likely due to photosensitivity to C.trachomatis in cases of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.

Association of Melasma with Thyroid Autoimmunity and Other Thyroidal Abnormalities and Their Relationship to the Origin of the Melasma

Melasma is localized hyperpigmentation over the forehead, upper lips, cheeks, and chin. In this study, evidence suggesting an association between autoimmune thyroid disorders and melasma and the relationship of thyroid disorders to the origin of melasma is presented. A total of 108 nonpregnant women, aged 20-56 yr, were divided into 2 groups for the purpose of this study: 1) melasma, 84 patients; 2) control group, 24 patients from the Dermatology Clinic matched for age and sex. Microsomal thyroid autoantibodies (MCHA) were sought in all subjects. TRH-TSH tests were performed in patients with melasma and in those women with goiter and/or positive MCHA tests from the control group. Studies were completed with serum T4, T3, and antithyroglobulin antibody (TGHA) measurements in all patients with thyroid abnormalities. In patients with melasma, the frequency of thyroid disorders (58.3%) was 4 times greater than in the control group. The MCHA-negative patients had 1) simple goiter (13.1%), 2) Plummer's disease (2.4%), and 3) TSH hyperresponse to TRH in nongoitrous patients (10.7%). Patients with positive MCHA tests (32.1%) were divided into 2 subgroups. One comprised those women with an apparently normal thyroid gland and thyroid function (n = 7), while the other included all patients with goiter and/or subclinical hypothyroidism (n = 20). Regarding the origin of the melasma, it was found that 70% of women who developed melasma during pregnancy or while using oral contraceptives had thyroid abnormalities compared to 39.4% of patients with idiopathic melasma. Subjects from the control group had a 12.5% incidence of thyroid abnormalities, and only 8.3% had positive MCHA. Estrogen, progesterone, or both could be the triggering factor in the development of melasma in women who have a particular predisposition toward both melasma and thyroid autoimmunity. Patients with idiopathic melasma had a lower frequency of thyroid abnormalities, suggesting that there may be different genetic patterns linked to autoimmune thyroid disease. We conclude that there is a true association between thyroid autoimmunity and melasma, mostly in women whose melasma develops during pregnancy or after ingestion of oral contraceptive drugs.