Etiopathogenetic factors, thyroid functions and thyroid autoimmunity in melasma patients

Abstract

IntroductionMelasma is a common chronic, acquired pigmentation disorder with a significant impact on the quality of life of patients.AimTo investigate the etiopathogenetic factors, thyroid functions and thyroid autoimmunity in patients with melasma.Material and methodsForty-five women with melasma and 45 age-matched healthy women were included in the study group. A detailed history was taken from the patients including triggering factors of melasma. Serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroglobulin (AbTG) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (Ab-TPO) were measured and thyroid ultrasonography was performed for each subject.ResultsIn 26.7% of patients, pregnancy, in 17.8%, oral contraceptive use and in 13.3%, intense sunlight exposure were the triggering factors. 17.8% of patients had a family history of melasma. FT4, TSH and AbTG levels were significantly higher in the patient group.ConclusionsThe results suggest that a combination of factors including pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, sunlight and genetic factors often trigger melasma. Thyroid hormones and thyroid autoimmunity may also play a role in the pathogenesis which needs to be proven by further studies.

Melasma and thyroid disorders: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Coherently with its poor pathogenetic understanding and its tendency to relapse, melasma treatments are challenging and often followed by low patient satisfaction . Recent findings suggest that thyroid hormones may play a key role in melasma; this idea has also been sustained by a few epidemiological studies . In literature, thyroid disorders are associated with several disorders affecting the pigmentation, as vitiligo and leukoderma, or inflammatory, as eczema …”

“…Thyroid disorder is a clinical situation following reduction or elevation of the serum thyroid hormones. Several studies have been published regarding the association between melasma and thyroid hormones reporting different results . For example, Cakmak et al .…”

“…Several studies have been published regarding the association between melasma and thyroid hormones reporting different results . For example, Cakmak et al . showed higher TSH levels among patients with melasma than those without, while Talaee et al .…”

Long‐term results in low‐fluence 1064‐nm Q‐Switched Nd:YAG laser for melasma: Is it effective?

“…Also known as the “mask of pregnancy” or chloasma, melasma is prevalent in middle‐aged women . It generally involves the cheeks, upper lip, nose, chin, and forehead.…”

“…1 Also known as the "mask of pregnancy" or chloasma, melasma is prevalent in middle-aged women. 2,3 It generally involves the cheeks, upper lip, nose, chin, and forehead. Although its exact pathogenesis is unknown, known risk factors include genetic and racial predispositions, chronic exposure to UV radiation, and female sex hormones.…”