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KMID : 0363220160540070532
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Korean Journal of Dermatology
2016 Volume.54 No. 7 p.532 ~ p.537
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Clinicoepidemiological Features of Melasma in Korean Patients at Five University Hospitals: A Cross-sectional Multicenter Study
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Lee Mi-Hye
Noh Tai-Kyung
Lee Jong-Hee
Roh Mi-Ryung
Na Jung-Im
Jung Eui-Chang
Ko Joo-Yeon
Chang Sung-Eun
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Abstract
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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.
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KEYWORD
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Melasma, Korean, Questionnaire, Aggravating factors
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