Work

Bidirectional association between vitiligo and melasma: A large-scale population-based study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background The dual diagnosis of vitiligo and melasma and their association has hardly been studied. Objective To test our hypothesis of an independent bidirectional association between vitiligo and melasma. Methods A population-based study was conducted on 24,436 patients with vitiligo and 119,205 matched comparators. Both a retrospective cohort design and a nested case-control design were used, with the calculation of adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs). Results The incidence of melasma per 1000 person-years was 1.38 (95% CI 1.22-1.54) in the vitiligo group and 0.88 (95% CI 0.84-0.96) in the comparison group. Patients with vitiligo had a 60% increased risk of developing melasma regardless of hormonal treatment, phototherapy, and thyroid disorders (adjusted HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.35-1.86). The prevalence of pre-existing melasma was higher in patients with vitiligo than in matched comparators (0.9% vs. 0.5%, P<0.001). Melasma was associated with a 30% increase in the odds of developing vitiligo (adjusted OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.12-1.55), regardless of hydroquinone treatment. Limitations Retrospective data collection. Conclusion A bidirectional association between vitiligo and melasma was observed. Treatment strategies for individuals with a dual diagnosis warrant further investigation.

Source: Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology

DOI: 10.25259/ijdvl_1828_2024