Role of broad-spectrum sunscreen alone in the improvement of melasma area severity index (MASI) and Melasma Quality of Life Index in melasma.

Background: Sunscreens have long been an indispensable part in treating melasma as ancillary agents. None of previous studies have evaluated the role of sunscreens alone in the improvement of melasma.

Aims: Our objective was to study the role of broad-spectrum sunscreen with sun protection factor 19 and PA+++ as the sole agent for improvement of melasma.

Methods: A total of 100 patients with melasma were included in the study. Following proper method of application of 3 mL sunscreen, thrice daily, Melasma Area Severity Score (MASI) and Hindi language version of the MELASQOL scale (Hi-MELAQOL) was done at baseline and 12 weeks.

Results: The mean MASI in the study group at the beginning and at the end of the study was 12.38 ± 14.7 and 9.15 ± 4.7, respectively, whereas the mean value of Hi-MELASQOL at the beginning and at the end of the study was 47.2 ± 14 and 38.1 ± 14.2, respectively. The differences of both were statistically significant. Spearman's correlation between MASI and Hi-MELASQOL before and after the study was positive but insignificant.

Conclusion: There was both an objective and subjective improvement in melasma after 12 weeks of sunscreen use in terms of both MASI, showing an objective improvement of melasma after using sunscreens alone and also in Hi-MELASQOL showing that use of sunscreens significantly improved quality of life of melasma patients. In our study, we have attempted to re-instate the importance of sunscreens to patients and dermatologists who are inclining more toward various skin lightening agents for treatment of melasma, which have many side effects.