Evaluating the Quality of Life Among Melasma Patients Using the Melasma Quality of Life Scale and DLQI

Background: Melasma is a common hyperpigmentary condition. It is a progressive and macular disorder, usually asymptomatic, but it is often cosmetically distressing to the patient. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) among melasma patients using the melasma quality of life scale (MelasQoL) scale and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and to correlate the clinical severity of melasma using the modified melasma area and severity index (mMASI) score and impairment in quality of life (QoL) using melasma quality of life scale (MelasQoL) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Materials and Methods: Detailed history of the onset and progression of melasma and clinical examination were done for all patients. Wood’s lamp examination was done to note an epidermal, dermal, or mixed pattern of melasma. mMASI score was calculated. MelasQoL and DLQI were used to measure the QoL. Results: Among 250 patients (males 46; females 204), the mean age was 35.29 ± 8.65. A high preponderance of females was found in the study (81.6%). The duration of melasma ranged from 1 to 180 months. Melasma distribution was malar (57.1%) and centrofacial (40.5%). The mean MelasQoL score was 35.83 ± 12.65. The mean DLQI score was 12.01 ± 4.03. The mean mMASI score was 6.48 ± 2.43. A moderate and statistically significant correlation was found between mMASI with DLQI ( r = 0.607) and MelasQoL ( r = 0.599), whereas a strong and statistically significant correlation was found between DLQI with MelasQoL ( r = 0.788). Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the significant and widespread impact of melasma on various aspects of patients’ lives, highlighting the importance of developing targeted interventions to address both the clinical manifestations and the psychosocial challenges associated with the condition.