Assessment of metabolic syndrome in patients diagnosed with melasma in a dermatology service

Jéssica Silva, Department of Dermatology, Mogi das Cruzes University, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil Denise Steiner, Department of Dermatology, Mogi das Cruzes University, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria in patients diagnosed with melasma. Few studies have evaluated metabolic parameters in patients with melasma, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. MetS is a complex disease represented by a set of factors related to central fat deposition and insulin resistance. There is an increased cardiovascular risk in individuals with this syndrome, and several studies seek to establish correlations between MetS and other inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, lichen planus, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis. Methods: Cross-sectional prevalence study assessing MetS in participants diagnosed with melasma between July and October 2024. Results: Fifty-eight women were included in the study, with a mean age of 46.7 years and a mean melasma duration of 10.5 years. 29.3% of the participants met three or more criteria for MetS. Conclusion: There was a considerable prevalence of MetS among the study participants. Although this association does not prove causality, it suggests the importance of considering metabolic factors in the clinical management of melasma and in the prevention of complications related to MetS.

Keywords: Melasma. Metabolic syndrome. Obesity.