The Effect of Melasma on the Quality of Life in People with Darker Skin Types Living in Durban, South Africa

Nomakhosi Mpofana (), Michael Paulse, Nceba Gqaleni, Mokgadi Ursula Makgobole, Pavitra Pillay, Ahmed Hussein and Ncoza Cordelia Dlova
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Nomakhosi Mpofana: Dermatology Department, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
Michael Paulse: Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
Nceba Gqaleni: Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
Mokgadi Ursula Makgobole: Department of Somatology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
Pavitra Pillay: Department of Biomedical and Clinical Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
Ahmed Hussein: Department of Chemistry, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
Ncoza Cordelia Dlova: Dermatology Department, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 22, 1-22

Abstract: Melasma is a common skin disorder of acquired hyperpigmentation that appears commonly on the face. Although asymptomatic, melasma causes psychosocial and emotional distress. This study aimed to assess melasma’s severity on people with darker skin types, evaluate the effects of melasma on the quality of life (QoL), and establish QoL predictors in affected individuals. This was a cross-sectional analytic study that enrolled 150 patients from three private dermatology clinics in Durban, South Africa who were diagnosed with melasma. The severity of melasma alongside QoL were measured using a melasma area and severity index (MASI) score and melasma quality of life scale (MELASQoL), respectively. The associations among factors and QoL were explored using multivariable methods and stepwise regression analysis. p -values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Enrolled patients were predominantly females (95%), of which 76% were of black African ethnicity, 9% were of Indian ethnicity, and 15% had mixed ancestry, with an average age of 47.30 years. Family history revealed that 61% had no prior melasma cases, while 39% had affected relatives, most commonly mothers (41%). The cheeks were the most common site for melasma. MASI score of Masi (β = 0.209, t = 2.628, p < 0.001), the involvement of cheeks (β = −0.268, t = −3.405, p < 0.001), level of education (β = −0.159, t = −2.029, p = 0.044), and being menopausal (β = −0.161, t = −2.027, p = 0.045) were found to be predictors of QoL. A regression model was created to forecast MELASQoL using these four predictors. This equation’s significance lies in its ability to enable the remote assessment of MELASQoL based on these four variables. It offers a valuable tool for researchers and medical professionals to quantitatively and objectively evaluate the impact of melasma on an individual’s quality of life.

Keywords: melasma; pigmentation; darker skin type; Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI; quality of life (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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