Unveiling the risk factors behind melasma: An observational study

Background: Melasma is a common, acquired, recurrent and chronic disorder of hypermelanosis. It is distributed symmetrically and affects the sun-exposed areas mainly the face (forehead, cheeks, upper lip and chin), and manifests as light to dark brown patches of hyperpigmentation. The objective of this study is to identify the major predisposing and aggravating factors of melasma. Materials and methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study, conducted in the Dermatology OPD of Meenakshi Medical College, among 100 patients with melasma for a period of 18 months. Melasma was diagnosed clinically and using Wood's lamp examination. Factors such as the age at presentation, gender, duration of sun exposure per day, family history, intake of precipitating drugs and systemic diseases were assessed. Results: Most of the patients were in the age group of 36-45 years and the majority of patients were females. Sun exposure for >2 hours was observed to be an important triggering factor. Positive family history was present in 46% patients, 12 patients had a history of intake of precipitating drugs and 30 patients had systemic diseases. Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that the above factors play a significant role in the development and prognosis of melasma. Sun exposure for longer duration was observed to be a very important factor, especially because of the climatic conditions prevailing here. So elimination of the exacerbating factors and treatment of associated systemic conditions are important in the management along with the therapeutic agents.