OBJECTIVES: Melasma poses a substantial emotional and psychosocial burden on patients. Even though melasma is prevalent in Hispanic women, its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been under-reported. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the impact of melasma on the HRQOL of Hispanic women.

METHODS: An extensive literature review of articles published in English and Spanish over the last 15 years (1991-2006) was conducted. The search terms used to obtain relevant information were 'melasma', 'women', 'health-related quality of life', HRQOL', 'treatment', 'Hispanic', and 'Latino'. Specific issues covered include HRQOL issues in melasma, instruments used and treatment modalities available for melasma.

RESULTS: The literature search revealed that melasma has a deleterious impact on the HRQOL. It severely affects social life, emotional well-being, physical health and money matters in Hispanic women.

CONCLUSION: Patient education, awareness and counseling are needed to improve HRQOL outcomes.

Pawaskar MD; Parikh P; Markowski T; McMichael AJ; Feldman SR; Balkrishnan R

J Dermatolog Treat;18(1):5-9, 2007.

Publicado por Dr. Emmanuel França