STUDY TO ASSESS THE SEVERITY OF MELASMA USING THE MSI SCALE IN INDIVIDUALS AGED 25–60 YEARS IN BAGALKOT – A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Background: Melasma is a common acquired hyperpigmentation disorder affecting sun-exposed areas of the skin, often leading to cosmetic and psychosocial distress. The Melasma Severity Index (MSI) provides a validated and standardized approach for assessing disease severity.

Objective: To assess the severity of melasma using the MSI scale in individuals aged 25–60 years in Bagalkot, India, through a pilot study.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 30 patients attending OPD, IPD, peripheral centre’s, and health camps organized by BVVS Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bagalkot. Data regarding age, occupation, and MSI parameters (darkness, homogenicity, and area involved) were collected. MSI scores were calculated using standardized criteria.

Results:

Homogenicity: 56.7% had small patchy areas, 23.3% had patches >2 cm, 16.7% presented with specks, and 3.3% were normal.

Darkness: 63.3% had mild hyperpigmentation, 20% moderate, and 16.7% barely visible pigmentation. No severe pigmentation was reported.

Area covered: 40% had 30–49% involvement, 33.3% had 11–29%, 16.7% had 50–69%, and 10% had <10% involvement.

Most affected participants were middle-aged housewives.

Conclusion: Mild-to-moderate melasma is prevalent in Bagalkot, particularly among middle-aged women. The MSI scale was found to be a practical tool for clinical severity assessment. Larger studies are warranted to validate findings and explore contributing risk factors.