Melasma and its impact on health-related quality of life in Hispanic women.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Patient education, awareness and counseling are needed to improve HRQOL outcomes.
Pawaskar
Manjiri D
MD
Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Parikh
Parth
P
Markowski
Tania
T
McMichael
Amy J
AJ
Feldman
Steven R
SR
Balkrishnan
Rajesh
R
D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008548:Melanosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology