Melasma and its association with different types of nevi in women: A case-control study

In a case-control study, 120 female melasma patients referred to dermatology clinic of Ardabil and 120 patients referred to other specialty clinics who lacked melasma were enrolled after matching for age. Number of different types of nevi including lentigines and melanocytic nevi were compared between case and control group patients. Data were entered into the computer and analyzed by SPSS 13 statistical software.Mean number of lentigines was 25.5 in melasma group compared to 8 in control group(P < 0.01). Mean number of melanocytic nevi was 13.2 in cases compared to 2.8 in control group(P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that existence of freckles, lentigines and more than three melanocytic nevi were positively related to developing melasma. The chance of melasma increased up to 23 times for patients having more than three melanocytic nevi. Congenital nevi were observed among 10% both in case and control groups. Campbell de morgan angiomas were seen among 26 patients(21.8%) in case group compared to 6 patients(5%) in control group.Existence of lentigines and melanocytic nevi increases chance of having melasmaFacial appearance plays a large role in self-perception and interaction with others and severe facial blemishes like melasma leave a significant impact on women's quality of life [1]. Melasma is an acquired hypermelanosis, occurring symmetrically on sun-exposed areas of the body. Lesions are irregular light to dark brown macules and patches, usually involving the forehead, temples, upper lip, and cheeks [2]. Asian and Hispanic females are most commonly affected [2,3]. Several factors have been found to be in relation with melasma. Nevi are usually long lasting and have an earlier presentation than melasma. Very little research is done to study possible associations between different types of nevi and melasma and to the best of our knowledge no other study has got focused on prediction value of different kinds of nevi for future melasma. Our aim of study wa