A study on clinical profile of patients with melasma at a Tertiary carse hospital

Abstract

Melasma is an acquired pigmentation of the face, predominantly affecting women with multiple factors like high oestrogen states (pregnancy, OCP therapy), genetic factors, sunlight, cosmetics, drugs & autoimmune thyroid disease implicated in its etiology. The various topical modalities of treatment include broad spectrum sunscreens, hydroquinone in various concentration, tretinoin, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, azelaic acid. Alternative treatments to topicals include chemical peels, laser treatment and dermabrasion. The outcome of treatment also varies because of it refractory nature. Cosmetics also assume an important role in the management of this condition as a temporary means of camouflage. In the present study78 patients (65%) had malar distribution, 40 patients had centrofacial distribution and 2 patients with mandibular type reported.