Melasma is Associated with Lower Serum Vitamin D Concentrations as Compared to Healthy Controls

Background Melasma is a common, chronic skin condition of hyperpigmentation involving the appearance symmetric and irregular light brown macules patches, mainly on sun exposed head neck. Though pathogenesis not fully understood, hyperfunctional melanocytes are known to deposit excess melanin in epidermis dermis. Known risk factors or triggers include genetic influence, hormonal ultraviolet radiation. Due avoidance light, vitamin D supplementation recommended. influence large prevalence melasma public, association between will be examined further. Methods A retrospective review was performed utilizing TriNetX platform query de-identified patient data from Medical University South Carolina’s Electronic Health Record system over 9-year period January 2013 May 2022. Calcidiol (25-hydroxy-vitaminD) utilized as surrogate for Vitamin level. Statistical analyses were using Chi-square tests. Results Of 1,962 patients diagnosed with melasma, 840 had serum calcidiol level measured following diagnosis. The majority these female (77%) an average age 60.3 + 19.2 years. most commonly Caucasian (81%), followed by African American (15%) Hispanic Latino (3%). Patients 33.8 15.8 ng/mL (reference range: 25 – 80 ng/mL). This significantly lower than comparison 2,146 dermatology (36.8 ng/mL, p-value <0.0001%). Conclusion has been demonstrated critical skin, including differentiation proliferation melanocytes. Our results suggest that who have levels their healthy counterparts, may benefit supplementation. Future studies investigating improvement symptoms needed.