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. 2017 Dec 8;4(1):38-42.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.11.003. eCollection 2018 Mar.

The effect of melasma on self-esteem: A pilot study

J Jiang  1 , O Akinseye  1 , A Tovar-Garza  1 , A G Pandya  1
Affiliations

The effect of melasma on self-esteem: A pilot study

J Jiang et al. Int J Womens Dermatol. .

Abstract

Melasma is a common disorder of hyperpigmentation characterized by tan or brown macules and patches affecting sun-exposed areas, particularly the face. Melasma has been shown to have a significant impact on the quality of life and self-esteem of those affected. We interviewed six patients who were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe melasma with regard to the effect of their disorder on their self-esteem. All patients reported a significant negative effect on their quality of life and self-esteem. With successful therapy using a triple combination of cream and oral tranexamic acid to treat their melasma, all reported a marked improvement in self-esteem. Physicians who treat patients with melasma should be aware of its profound psychosocial effects and the improvement that successful melasma treatment can have on self-esteem.

Keywords: melasma; pigmentation; qualitative; quality of life; self-esteem.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Patient with severe melasma on the forehead before treatment
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
After treatment with oral tranexamic acid and triple combination cream
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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