Histopathological analysis of the skin with melasma reveals solar elastosis or photo-aging of the epidermis along with hyperpigmentation – due to abnormality of dermal extracellular matrix which contributes to clinical wrinkles

The goal of a new study published in Dermatology Reports was to examine a link between the severity of melasma and facial wrinkles as a manifestation of photoaging in a tropical area.

This was an observational study with cross-sectional design, conducted in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on 51 patients with melasma, aged 30-50 years. The melasma severity was measured clinically with the modified Melasma Severity Index (mMASI), and objectively with the Melanin Index (MI). Additionally, Erythema Index (EI) was assessed with Mexameter Courage Khazaka. The wrinkle severity was measured clinically by scoring – from forehead horizontal lines, crows feet, glabellar and nasolabial lines, and total scores were obtained from all of them.

A weak positive but not significant correlation was found between the mMASI score and total facial wrinkle score, and a weak positive non-significant correlation could be noted between EI and total facial wrinkle score. In addition, there were significant positive moderate correlations between MI and total facial wrinkle score, due to significant positive moderate correlations between MI and glabella wrinkle, and between MI and nasolabial wrinkle.

Hence, a positive moderate correlation was found between MI and total facial wrinkle score, especially relating to glabellar and nasolabial wrinkles. However, there was no correlation between mMASI score and total facial wrinkle score.

Source: Dermatology Reports. 2020 Oct 22;12(2):8390. doi: 10.4081/dr.2020.8390.