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

Abstract

Background: Melasma is a chronic skin disorder that is characterized by the accumulation of irregular brown pigments in the skin. Lesions are usually seen on the forehead, temples, upper lip, and cheeks. This disease is one of the most common reasons for women to visit dermatologists. Aim: The present study was conducted to determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of melasma in women referred to the dermatology clinic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 100 women who were referred to the dermatology clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft City in the first half of 2021 using a convenient sampling method. Data were collected using a researcher-made checklist and analyzed using SPSS-v20 statistical software and descriptive and inferential tests at a significance level of p˂0.05. Results: The average age of women with melasma was 32.8±0.64 years. The majority of clients had skin type four (57%) and skin type three (30%). The spread of pigmentation was mainly centro facial (62%), and there was a positive family history in 43% of cases. Moreover, it was found that melasma is not related to any of the variables of age, number of children, duration of the disease, marital status, family history, history of hormonal treatment, history of pregnancy and subsequent exacerbation, thyroid disease and polycystic ovary syndrome, and use of night creams and sunscreen. Conclusion: Melasma is a relatively common disease in Iran. Additional studies are needed to find the epidemiological and underlying variables and treatment of melasma.