Journal of Asia Pacific Aesthetic Sciences

Abstract: Melasma is a common acquired hyperpigmentation condition that mostly affects women of reproductive age, oftenly occurring on the face area (Sarkar R et al., 2014). This chronic condition is often relapsing, causes great emotional suffering and has a detrimental impact on quality of life (Ikino JK et al., 2015). It is a condition that can only be managed but not cured completely (Sonthalia S et al., 2015). Melasma affects people of all ethnicities, however it occurs most commonly in Asian and Hispanic females (Fitzpatrick TB et al., 1987). The incidence of melasma in South East Asia was 0.25% to 4% of patients seen in dermatology institutes, with peak incidence at age 30 to 44 years. A survey conducted at a dermatology clinic in Thailand found that the prevalence of melasma was as high as 40% in women and 20% in men. Melasma also accounted for 0.98% of cases reported in Indonesia and 4% of cases reported in Malaysia (Hann SK, 2007). The prevalence of melasma is high in South East Asia due to the tropical climate with high sun exposure. Moreover, lack of awareness amongst Asians on applying sunscreen also contributes to the development of melasma in the population.