In search of lost beauty: Experiences of Iranian women with melasma.

BACKGROUND

The skin condition called melasma affects patients' appearance significantly and affects them psychologically and emotionally, besides leading to an impaired body image.

AIM: Since access to quality information in different cultural environments is necessary to understand the psychological problems associated with melasma, the aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of 20 Iranian women with melasma.

PATIENTS/

METHODS

The content analysis method was employed for this study. Twenty participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data were collected through face-to-face in-depth interviews and then transcribed verbatim.

RESULTS

After categorizing the initial codes, 14 subthemes were identified, which were classified under five themes-camouflage, seeking treatment, lost beauty, grief, and others' reaction; these were then grouped under a general one, "in search of lost beauty."

CONCLUSIONS

Melasma has a tremendous impact on the lives of the women it affects, and therapists should focus on the condition's social and psychological aspects, in addition to treatment.