Abstract

Perhaps some of the melasma patients also have pigmented cosmetic dermatitis. But research on cosmetic contact sensitivity in melanomas is still lacking, notably in India. Between January and December 2012, consecutive melasma patients between the ages of 19 and 49 underwent sequential patch testing using the Indian Cosmetic and Fragrance Series, Indian Sunscreen Series, p-phenylenediamine, and the patient’s own cosmetic items. Melasma could last anywhere between one month and twenty years. In 48 (72%), 18 (27%), and 1 (1%) patients, respectively, centrofacial, malar, and mandibular patterns were noted.

In 29 (43.3%) patients, the Indian Cosmetics and Fragrance Series produced favourable responses. In 15 (52%) of the patients, cetrimide was the most often detected contact sensitizer, followed by gallate mix in 9 (31%) and thiomersal in 7 (24%) of the patients. Only two of the 42 patients responded favourably to their own cosmetics, while the other five patients experienced irritation. Indian Sunscreen Series received no favourable feedback. A major cause of melasma that is not related to pregnancy, nursing, or hormone therapy is cosmetic contact sensitivity.