A clinicoepidemiological study of facial hypermelanosis among females of reproductive age group

Abstract

Background: Facial hypermelanosis has great psychological and aesthetic complications attached to it specially in females. A number of factors like genetic, environmental, systemic, work in consortium to give rise to various types of hypermelanosis. Women in the 15-49 years age group, which is the reproductive age group are influenced by various hormonal alterations along with external and systemic agents thus manifesting as various types of hypermelanosis. Aims and objectives: This study was undertaken to assess the clinical and epidemiological aspects of various types of facial hypermelanosis and various factors implicated. Material and methods: A total of 350 women in the age group of 15-49 years were taken up for the study. A detailed clinical history, thorough examination was done in all patients. Relevant investigations were carried out. All the results were statistically analyzed and inferences were drawn. Results: A total of 350 women were taken up for study. Maximum patients (133,38%) were in the age group of 26 -35 years. Among various hypermelanosis, maximum women(128,36.5%) came with the complaint of melasma, 90(25.7%) women with post inflammatory hypermelanosis, 50(14.3%)females with periorbital hypermelanosis. In our study, melasma, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to acne, acanthosis nigricans formed a major share in the 15-49 years age group thus suggesting the role of hormonal alterations and rising PCOS. Conclusion: Females are under considerable psychological and societal pressure. Besides adequate treatment, the role of hormonal alterations, life style factors, occupation in the above said age group needs to be ascertained by more such studies.