Abstract

Background: Melasma is a persistent and recurrent pigmentation disorder. It is a skin condition that affects facial skin esthetics and can lower self-esteem, causing emotional distress, which can lower a person’s quality of life (QoL).

Aims and Objectives: To study the correlation of Hindi-Melasma Quality of Life Index (Hi-MELASQOL) in relation with Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) and to analyze the different patterns and influence of melasma on life quality.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 100 subjects. Hi-MELASQOL questionnaire comprising 10 items was used to assess the patient’s QoL. MASI score was used to determine the severity of melasma. All the collected data were recorded, processed, and statistically analyzed using Epi Info 2000 and SPSS Inc., 20.0.

Results: A significant association was observed between the Hi-MELASQoL and MASI scores. It was evident that melasma had an adverse impact on the patients’ QoL. The association between MASI score and type of melasma had P < 0.05 and hence showed a statistically significant association between them. However, the association between Hi-MELASQOL score (individually and total) and the type of melasma was statistically insignificant. The most common type was centrofacial (71%), followed by malar (25%) and mandibular (5%).

Conclusion: There was a significant impairment in the QoL in our study population due to melasma as assessed by Hi-MELASQOL and MASI score. Utilization of Hi-MELASQOL scale should be considered in the evaluation of QoL of patients affected with melasma.

Key words: Melasma; Hindi-Melasma Quality of Life Index; Melasma Area and Severity Index Score; Quality of Life