MAGNITUDE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF MELASMA AMONG PATIENTS WHO VISITED DERMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT AT ALERT CENTER FROM MAY 1, 2017-OCT 31, 2017.

Abstract

Summary Background: Melasma is a human melanogenesis dysfunction that results in localized, chronic acquired hypermelanosis of the skin. The exact prevalence and impact of melasma for our country is unknown. Objective: To assess the magnitude and associated risk factors of melasma among patients who visited ALERT center dermatology department from May 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017. Methods: Institution based descriptive retrospective study will be used to assess the magnitude and associated risk factors of melasma in ALERT center among patients who visited dermatology department from May1,2017 to October 31,2017. 166 adult patients who are>15 years and have a diagnoses of melasma for the above mentioned time were included in the study. Data was collected by carefully reviewing the medical records of those patients using structured questioners. Data analysis performed using SPSS of windows version 20. Results: This retrospective chart review study found 166 patients from total of 3519 making the figure to be 4.8%. The study also showed as melasma is more prevalent in women (94%) and most of these patients have completed high school and above (79.5%). The most common identified risk factors were hormonal contraceptives (45.5%), fire wood usage for cooking (20.5%),sun light exposure (16.2%) followed by using cosmetics by personal choice and pregnancy. Conclusion: Melama is one the commonest skin disorder which patients are in need of dermatologic evaluation as shown in this study. It predominantly affect females who are on their reproductive age. Though it needs collaborations of different sectors for its prevention and creating awareness. Recommendations are forwarded based on the finding of this study.