Evaluation of Quality of Life in Patients with Melasma Using MELASQOL Scale

Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the quality of life in individuals with Melasma through the utilization of the MELASQOL scale. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the correlation between the MASI score, duration of the disease, Melasma distribution pattern, and age of onset concerning the MELASQOL scale.

Study Design: A prospective cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Tertiary care hospital, Bengaluru between January 2023 to June 2023.

Methodology: A total of 163 participants within the age range of 18 to 65 years, meeting the inclusion criteria, completed the MELASQOL questionnaires, and their corresponding MASI scores were subsequently determined.

Results: In this study with 163 subjects (11.65% males, 88.34% females), Melasma predominantly affected the 26-45 age group. Most subjects had Malar-type Melasma (69.3%), and common predisposing factors included family history (39.8%), 18(12.5%) female subjects having a history of oral contraceptives, and 13(9.02%) female subjects having a history of PCOD/PCOS. The mean MELASQOL was 57.128±11.95, and it was not statistically correlated with the MASI score (P=0.528 ρ= -0.0535) or distribution pattern (P=0.143 ρ= - 0.1321). Additionally, there was no significant correlation between age of onset and disease duration (P=0.4606, ρ= -0.066 and P=0.628, ρ= -0.068, respectively.

Conclusion: Melasma profoundly affects patients' quality of life, emphasizing the imperative to address psychological well-being alongside physical symptoms. Implementing the MELASQOL questionnaire and recommending follow-up counseling can enhance the management and overall well-being of melasma patients.