Melasma and its impact on health‐related quality of life in Hispanic women

OBJECTIVES: 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. CONCLUSION: Patient education, awareness and counseling are needed to improve HRQOL outcomes.