Surg Cosmet Dermatol. 2011;3(3):207-212
Introduction: Melasma is a common hypermelanosis that mainly affects women and has a
negative impact on the quality of life. It is a chronic and recurrent condition, and a number
of treatments have already been proposed.
Objective: Assessment of quality of life for women with melasma before and after treatment
with botanical extracts and hydroquinone.
Methods: A clinical, phase IV, randomized, blinded study was conducted at a clinical
research institute. Women (n = 56) aged 18-60, with phototypes I-IV, were randomized into
two groups (epidermal or mixed melasma). The Melasma Quality of Life Scale was used to
compare the patients'''''''' quality of life before and after the use of Bellis perennis, Glycyrrhiza
glabra and Phyllanthus emblica botanical extracts twice a day (Group A), or 2% hydro-
quinone used at night (Group B). The Melasma Area and Severity Index was used to assess
the treatments'''''''' efficacy.
Results: Appearance, frustration, embarrassment and feeling less attractive were the
Melasma Quality of Life Scale variables that had the greatest negative impact on quality of
life at the beginning of the study. After 60 days of treatment, there was improvement in all
MELASQoL aspects, with no statistical differences between the two groups.
Conclusion: The improvement in melasma patients'''''''' self esteem provided by the use of the
botanical extracts matched that of 2% hydroquinone.
Keywords: MELASMA, QUALITY OF LIFE, PHYLLANTHUS EMBLICA