Background: Melasma (Greek ‘melas’- black) is a common, acquired hypermelanosis that occurs in sun-exposed areas mostly involving the face. Though multiple factors have been implicated in its etiopathogenesis the exact causes of melasma remains poorly understood. Despite several similarities between melasma in men and women, there are certain differences in clinical, etiological, and treatment aspects of melasma in men.

Aim and Objectives: To study certain differences in clinical and etiological aspects of melasma in men.

Material and Methods: 30 consecutive men with a clinical diagnosis of melasma presenting to the out-patient department were enrolled in the study. Detailed history regarding age, sex, occupation, onset, duration and progression of melasma, family history and aggravating factors was taken and various clinical patterns namely centro-facial, malar, mandibular were documented.

Results: 30 patients aged between 21 and 46 years (mean 30.1 years) were included in the study, the duration of melasma at presentation ranged from 2 months to 8 years. A positive family history was obtained in 11(36.7%) patients. Exacerbation on sun exposure was reported by 16(53.3%) patients. The malar pattern was the most common pattern seen in 21(70%) men followed by centro-facial in 8(26.7%) and mandibular in one (3.3%) patient.

Conclusion: Melasma was previously considered a pigmentation disorder of the females, but the occurrence in men is not uncommon and appears to affect dark-skinned men of Asian and African- American origin more frequently. This could also be attributed to the fact that men are becoming more aware of their appearance and media hype of various treatment modalities available.

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Himang Jharaik

Medical Officer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Civil Hospital, Theog, District Shimla 171201 Himachal Pradesh, India