A STUDY TO ASSESS THE ASSOCIATION OF MELASMA WITH IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA AND THYROID DISEASE; A HOSPITAL BASED CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by dark brown patches with defined borders, primarily affecting sun-exposed areas of the body, especially the face. It is more prevalent in women, particularly during pregnancy. The precise mechanisms underlying melasma are not yet fully understood. There are reports of associations between melasma and thyroid disorders or iron deficiency anemia.

Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology Venerology and Leprosy   Index Medical College Hospital and Research Centre Indore Madhya Pradesh, India. 100 cases of clinically diagnosed melasma were selectd. Detailed history and medical examination was done and MASI score was calculated. Then we performed laboratory tests of T3, T4, TSH to evaluated thyroid function and Hb, Sr. Ferritin for iron deficiency anaemia. 

Results: Observation from this study revealed that the maximum cases of melasma were in the age group of 20-30 and 88% were females. The commonest site of melasma was malar(74%). Significant relationships were found between melasma severity and thyroid dysfunction, as well as between melasma severity and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. However, no significant correlation was observed between melasma severity and hemoglobin or serum ferritin levels.

Conclusion: The study findings suggest that hypothyroidism may play a significant role in the development of melasma, as it was observed in a large proportion of cases. Thyroid disorders were prevalent in 76% of melasma cases. Hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were mostly within the normal range. There was no association found between melasma and iron deficiency anemia.