Clinicoepidemiological Features of Melasma in Korean Patients at Five University Hospitals: A Cross-sectional Multicenter Study.
- Author:
Mi Hye LEE
1
;
Tai Kyung NOH
;
Jong Hee LEE
;
Mi Ryung ROH
;
Jung Im NA
;
Eui Chang JUNG
;
Joo Yeon KO
;
Sung Eun CHANG
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. csesnumd@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Multicenter Study ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Melasma;
Korean;
Questionnaire;
Aggravating factors
- MeSH:
Asian Continental Ancestry Group;
Bites and Stings;
Cross-Sectional Studies;
Dermatitis, Contact;
Dermatology;
Erythema;
Female;
Hospitals, University*;
Humans;
Hyperpigmentation;
Korea;
Male;
Melanosis*;
Nevus;
Pregnancy;
Pruritus;
Quality of Life;
Sensation;
Skin;
Solar System;
Stress, Psychological
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2016;54(7):532-537
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common acquired hyperpigmentation disorder that predominantly affects the face. It frequently occurs in women with darker skin types and severely impacts quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinicoepidemiological features and triggering or aggravating factors of melasma in Korean patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the dermatology clinics of five university hospitals in Korea. Between January 2011 and August 2012, 411 patients with melasma completed a questionnaire about the clinical and aggravating factors associated with their melasma. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 400 women and 11 men aged 22~73 years (mean age, 42.8±9.92 years). Triggering or aggravating factors were sun exposure (68.4%), pregnancy (27.0%), and emotional stress (24.8%). Interestingly, 61.1% of patients complained of sensitive/inflammatory features such as erythema, itching, and a stinging sensation. Dryness was the most common aggravating factor, followed by erythema/redness and itching/stinging. Concomitant pigmentary disorders included post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in 15.1% of patients, followed by pigmented contact dermatitis, and acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules. CONCLUSION: It is well known that sun exposure and hormonal changes are the most common triggers of melasma; however, sensitive/inflammatory features may aggravate melasma in East Asian patients. Therefore, these individual and racial differences should be considered in the prevention and treatment of melasma.
