Cosmetic Contact Sensitivity in Patients with Melasma: Results of a Pilot Study. (14th July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prabha, Neel; Mahajan, Vikram K.; Mehta, Karaninder S.; Chauhan, Pushpinder S.; Gupta, Mrinal
• Other Names: Burkhart Craig G. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Dermatology research and practice. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-07-14
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.5005
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/316219
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-6105

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Some of the patients with melasma perhaps have pigmented cosmetic dermatitis. However, cosmetic contact sensitivity in melasma remains poorly studied particularly in the Indian context. Objectives . To study cosmetic contact sensitivity in patients with melasma. Materials and Methods . 67 (F : M = 55 : 12) consecutive patients with melasma between 19 and 49 years of age were patch tested sequentially during January–December, 2012, with Indian Cosmetic and Fragrance Series, Indian Sunscreen Series, p -phenylenediamine, and patient's own cosmetic products. Results . 52 (78%) patients were in the age group of 20–40 years. The duration of melasma varied from 1 month to 20 years. Centrofacial, malar, and mandibular patterns were observed in 48 (72%), 18 (27%), and 1 (1%) patients, respectively. Indian Cosmetics and Fragrance Series elicited positive reactions in 29 (43.3%) patients. Cetrimide was the most common contact sensitizers eliciting positivity in 15 (52%) patients, followed by gallate mix in 9 (31%) patients and thiomersal in 7 (24%) patients. Only 2 of the 42 patients showed positive reaction from their own cosmetics while the other 5 patients had irritant reaction. Indian Sunscreen Series did not elicit any positive reaction. Conclusion . Cosmetics contact sensitivity appears as an important cause of melasma not associated with pregnancy, lactation, or hormone therapy.