Impact of Riehl’s melanosis on quality of life in Korean patients: A cross-sectional comparative study

The prevalence of Riehl’s melanosis in Korea is increasing. However, little is known about the psychosocial burden of patients with Riehl’s melanosis. This study was aimed to examine the level of psychosocial impact of Riehl’s melanosis. A cross-sectional study recruited 52 patients with Riehl’s melanosis who were asked to complete questionnaires requesting demographic characteristics, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MELASQOL). The mean score of DLQI and MELASQOL was increased in patients with Riehl’s melanosis compared with that of patients with melasma and healthy controls, respectively. Of note, patients with a long duration of illness, of lower educational level and suffering comorbid disease are more associated with impairment in quality of life. Riehl’s melanosis poses serious negative impacts on the quality of life of the patients. Therefore, the psychological burden of patients with Riehl’s melanosis should be carefully considered.