title: The Effect of Melasma on the Quality of Life in a Sample of Women Living in Singapore.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Melasma is a common disorder of acquired hyperpigmentation characterized by irregular brown macules and patches that occur primarily on sun-exposed areas.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective cross-sectional study that recruited 49 women clinically diagnosed with melasma from a tertiary dermatology referral center in Singapore. Trained investigators assessed the melasma severity objectively using the chromameter and mexameter and subjectively using the Melasma Area and Severity Index. The effect of melasma on the quality of life on the patients was assessed using the melasma quality of life scale and dermatology life quality index questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean ± SD Melasma Area and Severity Index score was 12.1±6.5 (median 10.8). The mean ± SD melasma quality of life scale score was 25.6±15.3 (median 24.0). Melasma quality of life scale scores are significantly correlated (Spearman's coefficient = 0.597, p-value <0.001) with the dermatology life quality index scores. There was no correlation between Melasma Area and Severity Index with melasma quality of life scale or dermatology life quality index scores. There is no difference in the melasma quality of life scale scores with different demographic variables including age, duration of disease, levels of education, and employment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study contributes to building evidence regarding the validity of melasma quality of life scale in accurately evaluating the effect of melasma on a patient's quality of life and the burden of disease in Singaporean women.
authors.affiliation: National Skin Centre, Singapore.
authors.forename: Ochi
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Harumi
authors.affiliation: National Skin Centre, Singapore.
authors.forename: Chee Leok
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Goh