The psychological impact of melasma. A report of 30 Tunisian women

Abstract

IntroductionMelasma is a common disorder of acquired hyperpigmentation characterized by tan or brown macules and patches localized to photo-exposed areas of the face.ObjectiveTo study the psychological impact of melasma on Tunisian women.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study on thirty patients with melasma who attended the dermatology department of the University Hospital in Sfax (Tunisia).The questionnaire included socio-demographic and clinical data. We used four measurement scales:– MELASQOL questionnaire;– Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale;– Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale;– Body Image Questionnaire.ResultsThe mean age was 34.6 years. The majority was living in urban areas (90%), was married (56.7%) and had a profession (80%).Sixty percent of patients were anxious and 16.7% were depressed. Both self-esteem and body image were respectively altered in 43.3% and 36.6%. The average score of MELASQOL was 31.77%. It was higher in single woman (36.8 vs. 28.4), younger than 40 years old (31.5 vs. 21.7), having a low socioeconomic status (45.2 vs. 29) and working in private sector (40 vs. 24).The quality of life was more damaged in patients with disease duration less than five years (P = 0.024).Anxious patients had higher MELASQOL scores than non-anxious (38.17 vs. 22.17; P = 0.008), as well as depressed patients (49 vs. 28.32; P = 0.009).High MELASQOL scores were correlated with low self-esteem (P = 0.05) and altered body image (P = 0.04).ConclusionAlthough benign, melasma causes an important psychological impact such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and poor body image. These effects should be considered in the care plan.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.