Change of quality of life after melasma treatment

Abstract

Background: Melasma is an acquired, symmetrical hypermelanosis that occurs on sun-exposed areas of the skin. It has significant emotional and psychological effects on those affected with the condition. Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MELASQOL) is a specific questionnaire to identify the most impaired areas of melasma patient's life. Objective: Our purpose of this study is to investigate the changing of MELASQOL after the treatment of melasma. Methods: A total of 27 volunteers with melasma were enrolled in this 8-week treatment study. The patients were instructed to apply an arbutm-containing cream, < at a frequency of > once a day for 8 weeks. The assessment of outcomes included the colorimetric value (L*) and MELASQOL score. Results: The arbutin-containing cream group increased more in the colorimetric values (L*) after the 8-week treatment (p<;0.01). The MELASQOL score was decreased (p=0.02). No significant adverse reactions were observed. Conclusion: The treatment of melasma improves the QOL of melasma patients.