Examining the effects of melasma on women’s quality of life: A study from eastern black sea region of Turkey

Background/Aim: Melasma causes significant emotional and psychological effects in patients. Therefore, the investigation of the quality of life in patient with melasma has become increasingly important. In this study, we aimed to learn the demographic features of female patients with melasma in the north of Turkey, assess associated factors, and research how melasma affects quality of life. Materials and Methods: The demographic and etiological characteristics of 71 female patients with melasma were recorded. Dermatology Quality of Life (DQoL) index and Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MelasQoL-Tr) were completed by all patients in the presence of a dermatologist. Results: When the patients were evaluated according to age, marital status, education, duration of melasma, and age of onset melasma, there was no significant relationship in terms of MelasQoL. There was a statistically significant correlation in positive direction at moderate-good levels between MelasQoL and DQoL scores. Conclusion: Based on our study, melasma significantly affects quality of life in women. This situation clearly illustrates the need to give patients treatment not just based on clinical aspects but also including psychological features of the disease.