The effect of melasma on self-esteem: A pilot study

• Main Authors: J. Jiang, O. Akinseye, A. Tovar-Garza, MD, A.G. Pandya, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2018-03-01
• Series: International Journal of Women's Dermatology
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352647517300941

Melasma is a common disorder of hyperpigmentation characterized by tan or brown macules and patches affecting sun-exposed areas, particularly the face. Melasma has been shown to have a significant impact on the quality of life and self-esteem of those affected. We interviewed six patients who were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe melasma with regard to the effect of their disorder on their self-esteem. All patients reported a significant negative effect on their quality of life and self-esteem. With successful therapy using a triple combination of cream and oral tranexamic acid to treat their melasma, all reported a marked improvement in self-esteem. Physicians who treat patients with melasma should be aware of its profound psychosocial effects and the improvement that successful melasma treatment can have on self-esteem. Keywords: melasma, self-esteem, quality of life, qualitative, pigmentation