Abstract

ABSTRACT
A total of 392 individuals were enrolled in the study divided into two main groups (196 melasma cases and 196
control group). Melasma prevalence and diagnosis were done by screening different groups of population on
clinical basis with the aids of Wood's light examination (by the same dermatologist). The study was carried
out at the departments of microbiology and dermatology in Basrah medical college during the period from
October 2003 to the end of March 2005. The study showed that melasma was more prevalent in age intervals of
21-30 years and 31-40 years presented in 45.7% and 38.2% respectively. The prevalence of melasma among
dermatological clinic attendants was 0.57% while the prevalence among pregnant women, female teachers and
male outdoor workers were presented in 37.9%, 17.5% and 14.2% respectively. Melasma was more frequent
among brown skin patients (75.5%) compared to white (18.3%) and black (6.1%) colored skin (P<0.01). Also
non-seborrhoeic skin patients was more affected (63.2%) than seborrhoeic skin (37.6%) patients (P<0.01).
However, sun exposure for 4-6 hours daily was the leading aggravating factor (59.7%) of the total melasma
cases although drugs and cosmetics (18.4%) and emotional factor (40.3%) had significant (P<0.01) effect on
prevalence of melasma in the community.