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Published on: January 19, 2024
Etiopathogenetic factors, thyroid functions and thyroid autoimmunity in melasma patients
Seray Külcü Çakmak1, Nimet Özcan1, Arzu Kılıç1
1Dermatology Clinic, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Head of the Department: Ferda Artüz.
Introduction:
Melasma is a common chronic, acquired pigmentation disorder with a significant impact on the quality of life of patients.
Aim:
To investigate the etiopathogenetic factors, thyroid functions and thyroid autoimmunity in patients with melasma.
Material And Methods:
Forty-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.
Results:
In 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.
Conclusions:
The 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.
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