Psychosocial impact of melasma: Asian Americans and people with pre-existing mood or anxiety disorders are disproportionately affected

preprint OA: closed
Full text JSON View at publisher

Abstract

Abstract Melasma is a chronic hyperpigmentation disorder that primarily affects sun-exposed areas of the skin, especially the face. It is most common in adult women with darker skin phototypes (Fitzpatrick III and IV), and it is notoriously difficult to treat. As a result, melasma can adversely impact mental health and quality of life, with affected individuals having higher rates of depression. This study explored the psychosocial associations of melasma using data from the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program. A total of 746 participants with a melasma diagnosis who completed the “Overall Health” survey were identified and matched with control participants on age, sex, race, and income. Covariates such as duration of melasma, sunlight intensity, treatment history, and pre-existing psychiatric conditions were accounted for in multivariable logistic regression analyses within melasma and between cases and controls. Results revealed that self-reported Asian Americans with melasma had lower mental and social health scores compared with both non-Hispanic White Americans with melasma and Asian Americans without melasma. This association may partly result from beauty ideals in Asian American communities, where lighter skin is regarded as a symbol of privilege. Additionally, individuals with melasma and a pre-existing mood or anxiety disorder reported poorer mental health than those with only the psychiatric disorder. These findings suggest that the psychosocial impact of melasma may be magnified in Asian Americans and people with mood or anxiety disorders. This study emphasizes the need for psychological support for patients at higher risk of adverse mental health outcomes.
Full text 112,321 characters · extracted from preprint-html · click to expand
Psychosocial impact of melasma: Asian Americans and people with pre-existing mood or anxiety disorders are disproportionately affected | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Psychosocial impact of melasma: Asian Americans and people with pre-existing mood or anxiety disorders are disproportionately affected Brad R. Woodie, Muayad M. Shahin, Gabrielle M. Rivin, Heather C. W. Harrison, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6382566/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 13 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Melasma is a chronic hyperpigmentation disorder that primarily affects sun-exposed areas of the skin, especially the face. It is most common in adult women with darker skin phototypes (Fitzpatrick III and IV), and it is notoriously difficult to treat. As a result, melasma can adversely impact mental health and quality of life, with affected individuals having higher rates of depression. This study explored the psychosocial associations of melasma using data from the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program. A total of 746 participants with a melasma diagnosis who completed the “Overall Health” survey were identified and matched with control participants on age, sex, race, and income. Covariates such as duration of melasma, sunlight intensity, treatment history, and pre-existing psychiatric conditions were accounted for in multivariable logistic regression analyses within melasma and between cases and controls. Results revealed that self-reported Asian Americans with melasma had lower mental and social health scores compared with both non-Hispanic White Americans with melasma and Asian Americans without melasma. This association may partly result from beauty ideals in Asian American communities, where lighter skin is regarded as a symbol of privilege. Additionally, individuals with melasma and a pre-existing mood or anxiety disorder reported poorer mental health than those with only the psychiatric disorder. These findings suggest that the psychosocial impact of melasma may be magnified in Asian Americans and people with mood or anxiety disorders. This study emphasizes the need for psychological support for patients at higher risk of adverse mental health outcomes. Hyperpigmentation Quality of Life Mental Health Depression Anxiety Disorders Socioeconomic Factors Race Ethnicity Case-Control Studies Psychosocial Factors Patient-Reported Outcomes Introduction Melasma is a chronic hyperpigmentation disorder primarily affecting sun-exposed areas of the body, particularly the face. It is most common in adult women with darker skin phototypes (Fitzpatrick III, IV), and is notoriously difficult to treat, with a high recurrence rate [ 7 , 19 ]. Due to its frequent involvement of the face and the challenges in achieving effective treatment, melasma significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphic disorder, are more common in people with melasma [ 3 , 5 , 8 , 24 ]. Prevalence of these conditions varies by region, with patients with melasma in Asia showing the highest prevalence of depression [ 3 ]. Importantly, formal diagnosis of these comorbidities can be biased by factors such as access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and individual health utilization behaviors. Diagnostic codes do not capture the subjective patient experience, which is important for understanding the overall psychosocial health burden in this population. Also, studies that have used diagnostic codes to identify psychiatric comorbidities in melasma patients often do not account for the temporal relationship between melasma and these mental health conditions. Further, patient characteristics that predict greater psychosocial impairment have not been comprehensively evaluated to our knowledge. In this case-control study, we aim to explore the psychosocial impact of melasma, focusing on associations with race and ethnicity, mental health disorders, and socioeconomic status in the United States. The large and diverse All of Us research database, previously used to examine melasma risk factors [ 8 ], was utilized to investigate associations between melasma and psychosocial survey responses. Methods We analyzed participant data from the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program, controlled tier version seven, which contains deidentified electronic health records of approximately 290,000 individuals. We identified 746 participants with a melasma diagnosis (Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms [SNOMED] code 36209000) in their electronic medical record who also completed the “Overall Health” survey questions. Covariates and outcomes Covariates included patient age, duration of melasma, sunlight intensity (mean annual global horizontal irradiance; GHI) of the participant’s postal code (obtained from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory [18]), sex assigned at birth, self-reported race, self-reported ethnicity, patient self-reported income, history of depression, history of hydroquinone use (including combination preparations), history of other common topical medications for melasma (azelaic acid, topical retinoids, niacinamide, tranexamic acid), prior use of combined oral contraceptives, past pregnancy, and past radiation (Online Resource 1). For participants who declined to report their income, the median household income from the participant’s postal code was used. We also accounted for the five most common psychiatric diagnostic categories in the All of Us cohort (as determined by Barr. et al [2]), which included mood disorders (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)), anxiety disorders (unspecified anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia), substance use disorders (alcohol use disorder, tobacco use disorder, drug use disorders), stress-related disorders (post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder), and sleep disorders (insomnia, other specified sleep disorders) (Online Resource 2). To account for the possible role of pre-existing psychiatric disorders in psychosocial survey responses, the month of the first diagnosis of a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, etc. was compared with the month of the first diagnosis of melasma. The All of Us program uses the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health survey to assess overall health [20]. Selected questions assessed mental, physical, and social health, and scoring of responses is shown in Table 1. Physical health was included to verify that participants were not experiencing difficulties due to other medical conditions unrelated to melasma. Survey responses of “poor” or “fair” were categorized as “low,” and responses of “good”, “very good”, or “excellent” were categorized as “high” as others have done previously [4,23]. Survey responses were first compared within participants with melasma with the above covariates and the outcome as low versus high response for each of the four survey questions. Case-control analyses We then performed three case-control analyses to assess for independent contributions of race/ethnicity, mental health disorders, and income to psychosocial survey responses in participants with melasma. First, we propensity-matched participants with melasma (n=746) in a 1:10 ratio to participants without melasma (n=7,460) on age, sex, and income and compared survey responses, stratified by race and ethnicity. To determine if individuals with both melasma and a pre-existing mental health disorder report lower psychosocial health than individuals with only a mental health disorder, participants with melasma and each of the five categories of mental health disorders were propensity-matched in a 1:10 ratio on age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income to participants without melasma and the corresponding category of mental health disorder. Finally, to evaluate the possible role of income, we propensity-matched participants with melasma to participants without melasma according to age, sex, and race/ethnicity and compared survey responses, stratified by income. Statistical analysis Multivariable logistic regression was performed for patients with melasma adjusting for the above covariates and the outcomes as low mental health, low ability to complete social roles, low social satisfaction, and low physical health. Multivariable logistic regression was then conducted for the propensity-matched cases and controls using the above covariates, with the exception of hydroquinone use for melasma, other topical use for melasma, and duration of melasma. Significance was set at two-tailed p<.05, and all analysis was performed in the SAS Studio environment within the All of Us Researcher Workbench. Results Characteristics of the sample are shown in Online Resource 3 and distribution of responses is shown in Online Resource 4. Adjusted for pre-existing and subsequent psychiatric conditions, self-reported Asian race predicted lower scores for mental and social health compared to White non-Hispanic participants (Table 2 and Online Resource 5). There were no significant differences in self-reported mental, social, or physical health between Black, Hispanic, or other race participants and White non-Hispanic participants. Lower income categories also predicted lower scores for mental, social, and physical health. Longer duration of melasma and greater sunlight intensity did not predict low psychosocial health. Analysis of the matched cases and controls between race and ethnicity categories supported that Asian Americans with melasma report lower psychosocial health compared with Asian Americans without melasma (Table 3). There was no significant difference in survey responses between people with and without melasma within self-reported White race, Black race, other races, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. Participants with melasma and a pre-existing mood disorder or melasma and a pre-existing anxiety disorder reported lower mental health than participants with only a mood disorder or anxiety disorder (Table 4). Participants with melasma versus without melasma did not show significant differences in psychosocial health within income categories, with the exception of improved ability to perform social roles within the over $200k income group (Table 5). Discussion Our findings indicate that self-reported Asian Americans with melasma experience worse mental and social health compared to self-reported White non-Hispanic Americans with melasma. Additionally, our case-control analysis shows that Asian Americans with melasma had lower psychosocial health scores when compared to Asian Americans without melasma. This heightened psychosocial burden may stem from multiple sociocultural factors. One contributor may be beauty standards within Asian American communities, where lighter skin is often associated with privilege- a phenomenon linked to colorism [ 10 ]. In East Asian cultures, sun protection is frequently driven by the desire to prevent skin darkening, reflecting a traditional preference for fair skin [ 22 ]. As a result, darker skin can be seen as undesirable, perpetuating these cultural ideals. Tran et al. found that darker skin color in Asian American college students was correlated with higher rates of perceived prejudice and depression [ 21 ]. Since melasma leads to darkened skin and irregular pigmentation, it may be particularly distressing for this population, potentially explaining the heightened psychosocial stress among Asian Americans. Furthermore, the widespread use of skin-lightening products in Southeast Asia [ 15 ] may also offer insight into why melasma has a stronger psychosocial effect on Asian Americans. While skin care practices in Asia are not identical to those in the United States, these cultural trends may help explain the greater psychological burden melasma places on Asian American individuals. Another potential contributor to the psychosocial status of Asian Americans is perceived discrimination, particularly in healthcare settings. Asian Americans are disproportionately affected by discrimination in healthcare settings, and these experiences are associated with poor health outcomes [ 11 – 13 ]. Melasma, being a cosmetically sensitive condition, could increase perceived interpersonal discrimination in Asian Americans seeking care. Participants of other self-races and ethnicities who typically have skin of color (Black, Hispanic) did not show associations with psychosocial difficulty in the current study, possibly supporting the role of cultural norms in the psychological impact of melasma. Melasma appears to have an additional impact in individuals with pre-existing mood or anxiety disorders. Perceived discrimination is also strongly associated with psychiatric disorders [ 1 , 17 ], and people with melasma could have a heightened sensitivity to perceived cosmetic flaws. A study of people who underwent elective septorhinoplasty found that people with body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety, or depression experienced significantly less improvement in quality of life, suggesting that those with mood and anxiety disorders are more prone to worsened mental health as a result of perceived cosmetic imperfections [ 9 ]. Future research may be able to elucidate connections between melasma with specific neuropsychiatric diagnoses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is independently associated with experienced stigma and embarrassment [ 6 , 14 ]. Ultimately, clinicians should be aware that individuals with melasma and a pre-existing mood or anxiety disorder represent a higher-risk group for psychological complications of their skin condition and may benefit from additional psychological support. Finally, while lower-income participants with melasma reported worse mental, social, and physical health, there was no significant difference when comparing them to similarly socioeconomically situated individuals without melasma. This suggests that the poorer psychosocial health observed in people with lower incomes (which is a known phenomenon 2 ) is independent of melasma. Although a financial burden is not implied by our results, hydroquinone is available by prescription only in the United States and is generally not covered by insurance 16 due to the “cosmetic” nature of the condition. This study has limitations. Race and ethnicity are self-reported as social categories; thus, participant skin phototype is not known. Also, substantial cultural heterogeneity is present within races and ethnicities; the classifications in this study are a simplification and they cannot represent the experience of each included individual. Although the All of Us participant base includes individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual backgrounds, it is not a representative sample of the United States. In addition, no established minimal clinically important difference exists for the surveys used in this study. A further limitation is the absence of a visual severity assessment. However, even when evaluated, objective measures of disease severity may not fully capture the patient’s subjective experience. Future studies could address these limitations by incorporating both objective ratings and patient-reported outcomes for melasma. Conclusion Our study investigated the mental health impact of melasma on different groups in the United States, adjusting for pre-existing and subsequent diagnoses of psychiatric conditions. Asian Americans with melasma reported worse mental and social health compared to non-Hispanic White Americans with melasma and compared to Asian Americans without melasma. People with melasma and a pre-existing mood or anxiety disorder also report worse mental health than people with mood or anxiety disorders alone, suggesting that melasma may have an additional impact in people with these psychiatric diagnoses. Declarations Acknowledgments: We gratefully acknowledge All of Us participants for their contributions, without whom this research would not have been possible. We also thank the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program for making available the participant data examined in this study. The All of Us Research Program is supported by the NIH, Office of the Director: Regional Medical Centers: 1 OT2 OD026549; 1 OT2 OD026554; 1 OT2 OD026557; 1 OT2 OD026556; 1 OT2 OD026550; 1 OT2 OD 026552; 1 OT2 OD026553; 1 OT2 OD026548; 1 OT2 OD026551; 1 OT2 OD026555; IAA number: AOD 16037; Federally Qualified Health Centers: HHSN 263201600085U; Data and Research Center: 5 U2C OD023196; Biobank: 1 U24 OD023121; The Participant Center: U24 OD023176; Participant Technology Systems Center: 1 U24 OD023163; Communications and Engagement: 3 OT2 OD023205; 3 OT2 OD023206; and Community Partners: 1 OT2 OD025277; 3 OT2 OD025315; 1 OT2 OD025337; 1 OT2 OD025276. Author Contributions: Conceptualization: [Brad Woodie, Muayad Shahin, Alan Fleischer], Methodology: [Brad Woodie, Alan Fleischer], Formal analysis and investigation: [Brad Woodie], Writing - original draft preparation: [Brad Woodie, Muayad Shahin, Heather Harrison, Gabrielle Rivin]; Writing - review and editing: [Brad Woodie, Muayad Shahin, Heather Harrison, Gabrielle Rivin, Alan Fleischer], Supervision: [Gabrielle Rivin, Alan Fleischer] Funding: The authors received no funding for this study. Data Availability Statement: This study used the All of Us Research Program’s Controlled Tier Dataset version 7, available to authorized users on the Researcher Workbench. Conflict of Interest: Alan Fleischer is a consultant for Bluefin and Incyte (fees). He is an investigator for Amgen, Avalo, Bayer, Biogen, CellDex, Galderma, Incyte, Leo, and UCB (research support). He is a speaker for Imedic Healthcare Solutions (Hyderabad, India). Brad Woodie, Muayad Shahin, Heather Harrison, and Gabrielle Rivin declare that they have no conflict of interest. Ethical Approval: Not needed, as this was non-human subject research. Patient Consent: Not applicable, as this was non-human subject research. References Alonso J, Buron A, Bruffaerts R, et al. Association of perceived stigma and mood and anxiety disorders: results from the World Mental Health Surveys. Acta Psychiatr Scand . 2008;118(4):305-314. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0447.2008.01241.x Barr PB, Bigdeli TB, Meyers JL. Prevalence, Comorbidity, and Sociodemographic Correlates of Psychiatric Diagnoses Reported in the All of Us Research Program. JAMA Psychiatry . 2022;79(6):622-628. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.0685 Chen W, Wan Y, Sun Y, Gao C, Li J. Prevalence of depression in melasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry . 2024;14:1276906. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1276906 Crummer E, Cohen JT, Rosmarin D, Lin PJ. Impact on quality of life, health care access, and health care utilization of individuals with vitiligo: an analysis of the All of Us research program. Arch Dermatol Res . 2024;316(8):1-7. doi:10.1007/s00403-024-03275-8 Dabas G, Vinay K, Parsad D, Kumar A, Kumaran M s. Psychological disturbances in patients with pigmentary disorders: a cross-sectional study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol . 2020;34(2):392-399. doi:10.1111/jdv.15987 Fernández de la Cruz L, Kolvenbach S, Vidal-Ribas P, et al. Illness perception, help-seeking attitudes, and knowledge related to obsessive-compulsive disorder across different ethnic groups: a community survey. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol . 2016;51(3):455-464. doi:10.1007/s00127-015-1144-9 Handel AC, Miot LDB, Miot HA. Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review. An Bras Dermatol . 2014;89(5):771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063 Hill R. Melasma Risk Factors: A Matched Cohort Study Using Data From the All of Us Research Program. Cutis . 2024;114(3). doi:10.12788/cutis.1089 Hohenberger R, Endres P, Salzmann I, et al. Quality of Life and Screening on Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Depression, Anxiety in Septorhinoplasty. The Laryngoscope . 2024;134(5):2187-2193. doi:10.1002/lary.31212 Hunter M. The Persistent Problem of Colorism: Skin Tone, Status, and Inequality. Sociol Compass . 2007;1(1):237-254. doi:10.1111/j.1751-9020.2007.00006.x Le TK, Cha L, Gee G, Dean LT, Juon HS, Tseng W. Asian American Self-Reported Discrimination in Healthcare and Having a Usual Source of Care. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities . 2023;10(1):259-270. doi:10.1007/s40615-021-01216-z McMurtry CL, Findling MG, Casey LS, et al. Discrimination in the United States: Experiences of Asian Americans. Health Serv Res . 2019;54(S2):1419-1430. doi:10.1111/1475-6773.13225 Misra R, Hunte H. Perceived discrimination and health outcomes among Asian Indians in the United States. BMC Health Serv Res . 2016;16(1):567. doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1821-8 Pedley R, Bee P, Wearden A, Berry K. Illness perceptions in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder; A qualitative study. Eisenbarth H, ed. PLOS ONE . 2019;14(3):e0213495. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0213495 Peltzer K, Pengpid S, James C. The globalization of whitening: prevalence of skin lighteners (or bleachers) use and its social correlates among university students in 26 countries. Int J Dermatol . 2016;55(2):165-172. doi:10.1111/ijd.12860 Price L, Vashi N, Ferguson N. Hydroquinone. Skin of Color Society. January 12, 2024. Accessed April 3, 2025. https://skinofcolorsociety.org/discover-patients-public/patient-education/hydroquinone Rodriguez-Seijas C, Stohl M, Hasin DS, Eaton NR. Transdiagnostic Factors and Mediation of the Relationship Between Perceived Racial Discrimination and Mental Disorders. JAMA Psychiatry . 2015;72(7):706-713. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.0148 Sengupta M, Xie Y, Lopez A, Habte A, Maclaurin G, Shelby J. The National Solar Radiation Data Base (NSRDB). Renew Sustain Energy Rev . 2018;89:51-60. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.003 Sheth VM, Pandya AG. Melasma: A comprehensive update: Part I. J Am Acad Dermatol . 2011;65(4):689-697. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.12.046 Survey Explorer – All of Us Research Hub. Accessed November 18, 2024. https://www.researchallofus.org/data-tools/survey-explorer/ Tran AGTT, Cheng HL, Netland JD, Miyake ER. Far from fairness: Prejudice, skin color, and psychological functioning in Asian Americans. Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol . 2017;23(3):407-415. doi:10.1037/cdp0000128 Tsai J, Chien AL. Photoprotection for Skin of Color. Am J Clin Dermatol . 2022;23(2):195-205. doi:10.1007/s40257-021-00670-z Weintraub JA, Moss KL, Finlayson TL, Jones JA, Preisser JS. A Comparative Analysis of Oral Health and Self-Rated Health: “All of Us Research Program” vs. “Health and Retirement Study.” Int J Environ Res Public Health . 2024;21(9):1210. doi:10.3390/ijerph21091210 Zhu Y, Du X, Shen S, Song X, Xiang W. Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms in patients with melasma. Int J Dermatol . 2024;63(6):787-794. doi:10.1111/ijd.17013 Tables Table 1: Survey questions, responses, and binary categorization in the study. Question Response Category In general, how would you rate your mental health, including your mood and your ability to think? Poor Low Fair Good High Very good Excellent In general, please rate how well you carry out your usual social roles (This includes activities at home, at work and in your community, and responsibilities as a parent, child, spouse, employee, friend, etc.). Poor Low Fair Good High Very good Excellent In general, how would you rate your satisfaction with your social activities and relationships? Poor Low Fair Good High Very good Excellent In general, how would you rate your physical health? Poor Low Fair Good High Very good Excellent Table 2: Association of race and income with low mental and social health in n=746 participants with melasma, adjusting for pre-existing psychiatric conditions. Comparison a Low Mental Health Low Social Roles Low Social Satisfaction Low Physical Health Age (continuous) 1.0 (1.0, 1.0) 1.0 (1.0, 1.0) 1.0 (1.0, 1.0) 1.0 (1.0, 1.0) Female vs Male 2.7 (0.6, 13) 2.3 (0.5, 11) 0.9 (0.3, 2.4) 2.9 (0.9, 9.3) Other sex vs Male 3.7 (0.5, 28) 1.8 (0.2, 15) 1.5 (0.3, 6.8) 13.6 (2.6-70)** Asian b vs White 4.9 (1.9, 13)** 3.5 (1.4, 9.2)*** 4.7 (2.0, 11)*** 1.2 (0.4, 3.2) Black vs White 1.2 (0.5, 2.8) 1.2 (0.5, 2.8) 1.5 (0.7, 3.2) 0.7 (0.4, 1.5) Other race vs White 1.5 (0.6, 3.9) 1.1 (0.4, 3.1) 1.5 (0.6, 3.6) 0.7 (0.3, 1.6) Hispanic vs White Non-Hispanic 1.9 (1.1, 3.6)* 1.5 (0.8, 2.9) 1.4 (0.8, 2.4) 2.1 (1.3, 3.5)** <$25k vs Over 200k 3.6 (1.2, 11)* 3.8 (1.1, 13)* 3.7 (1.3, 10)* 2.6 (1.1, 6.3)* $25k–50k vs Over 200k 2.2 (0.7, 6.8) 1.8 (0.5, 6.1) 2.0 (0.7, 5.6) 2.5 (1.0, 5.9)* $50k–100k vs Over 200k 1.7 (0.6, 4.9) 2.2 (0.7, 6.7) 1.8 (0.7, 4.6) 1.2 (0.5, 2.7) $100k–200k vs Over 200k 1.1 (0.4, 3.7) 1.3 (0.4, 4.6) 1.2 (0.4, 3.4) 0.5 (0.2, 1.4) Pre-existing c mood disorder 2.8 (1.6, 5.0)*** 2.3 (1.3, 4.3)** 3.0 (1.7, 5.2)*** 2.7 (1.6, 4.3)*** Subsequent mood disorder 2.0 (0.9, 4.3) 1.9 (0.9, 4.1) 2.5 (1.2, 5.2)* 1.1 (0.6, 2.2) Pre-existing anxiety disorder 2.2 (1.2, 3.9)* 1.2 (0.7, 2.2) 1.5 (0.9, 2.5) 1.1 (0.7, 1.9) Subsequent anxiety disorder 2.1 (1.1, 4.1)* 1.5 (0.7, 2.9) 1.4 (0.7, 2.7) 1.0 (0.6, 1.9) Pre-existing substance use disorder 1.3 (0.7, 2.7) 1.3 (0.6, 2.6) 1.5 (0.8, 2.9) 2.4 (1.3, 4.6)* Subsequent substance use disorder 2.1 (0.4, 12) 1.9 (0.3, 11) 0.5 (0.1, 4.3) 2.6 (0.6, 12) Pre-existing stress disorder 1.1 (0.6, 2.0) 1.6 (0.9, 2.9) 1.3 (0.7, 2.3) 1.6 (1.0, 2.7) Subsequent stress disorder 2.7 (1.2, 5.7)* 2.7 (1.2, 5.8)* 2.1 (1.0, 4.5) 1.6 (0.7, 3.4) Pre-existing sleep disorder 1.2 (0.7, 2.2) 1.6 (0.9, 2.8) 1.1 (0.6, 1.8) 1.7 (1.0-2.7)* Subsequent sleep disorder 0.9 (0.4, 1.8) 1.6 (0.8, 3.3) 1.3 (0.7, 2.4) 1.6 (0.9, 2.9) Hydroquinone used 1.0 (0.6, 1.7) 0.8 (0.5, 1.3) 1.0 (0.6, 1.5) 0.9 (0.6, 1.5) Other topicals used 1.1 (0.7, 1.8) 1.2 (0.7, 2.0) 0.9 (0.6, 1.5) 0.7 (0.4, 1.1) Past pregnancy 1.2 (0.7, 2.0) 0.7 (0.4, 1.2) 0.6 (0.3, 1.0)* 0.7 (0.4, 1.1) Past combined oral contraceptives 0.8 (0.5, 1.3) 0.9 (0.5, 1.5) 0.9 (0.5, 1.4) 0.8 (0.5, 1.3) Past radiation 1.3 (0.7, 2.6) 1.1 (0.6, 2.1) 1.1 (0.6, 2.1) 0.8 (0.4, 1.5) Global Horizontal Irradiance (continuous) 0.8 (0.5, 1.2) 1.0 (0.6, 1.5) 1.0 (0.6, 1.4) 0.8 (0.5, 1.1) Duration (continuous) 1.0 (0.9, 1.1) 1.0 (0.9, 1.1) 1.0 (0.9, 1.1) 1.0 (0.9, 1.1) a Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are shown. * p<.05; ** p<.01; *** p<.001. b Race and ethnicity were obtained from self-report and were included in this analysis as a goal of All of Us to collect and report data from a diverse group of participants. “Other” races included American Indian or Alaskan Native, Middle Eastern or North African, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, race not specified, and more than one population. c “Pre-existing” and “Subsequent” refer to the date of first melasma diagnosis. Table 3: Mental, physical, and social health in participants with melasma (n=746) stratified by race and ethnicity compared with age, sex, and income-matched controls (n=7460). Comparison Low Mental Health (aOR [95% CI], p-value) Low Ability for Social Roles (aOR [95% CI], p-value) Low Social Satisfaction (aOR [95% CI], p-value) Low Physical Health (aOR [95% CI], p-value) Asian participants with vs. without melasma 4.04 [1.28, 12.8], p=0.02 3.46 [1.19, 10.1], p=0.02 3.07 [1.13, 8.3], p=0.03 0.70 [0.22, 2.24], p=0.6 White participants with vs. without melasma 0.76 [0.50, 1.15], p=0.2 0.86 [0.55, 1.36], p=0.5 0.67 [0.44, 1.02], p=0.06 0.80 [0.57, 1.13], p=0.2 Black participants with vs. without melasma 0.73 [0.34, 1.56], p=0.4 0.82 [0.34, 1.76], p=0.6 0.75 [0.39, 1.43], p=0.4 0.69 [0.37, 1.27], p=0.2 Other race participants with vs. without melasma 1.19 [0.44, 3.23], p=0.7 1.19 [0.40, 3.53], p=0.8 1.92 [0.79, 4.67], p=0.2 0.40 [0.14, 1.14], p=0.09 Hispanic or Latino participants with vs. without melasma 1.04 [0.68, 1.59], p=0.8 1.16 [0.72, 1.86], p=0.6 1.21 [0.78, 1.87], p=0.4 0.91 [0.64, 1.31], p=0.6 aOR: Adjusted Odds Ratio CI: Confidence Interval Table 4: Mental, physical, and social health in participants with melasma and pre-existing mood disorders (n=230), anxiety disorders (n=206), stress disorders (n=130), substance use disorders (n=65), or sleep disorders (n=39) stratified by income compared to controls with the corresponding mental health disorders matched at a 1:10 ratio on age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income. Low Mental Health (aOR [95% CI], p-value) Low Ability for Social Roles (aOR [95% CI], p-value) Low Social Satisfaction (aOR [95% CI], p-value) Low Physical Health (aOR [95% CI], p-value) Participants with prior mood disorders with vs. without melasma 1.32 [1.01, 1.72], p=0.04 1.00 [0.74, 1.33], p=1.0 0.94 [0.72, 1.24], p=0.7 0.87 [0.68, 1.11], p=0.3 Participants with prior anxiety disorders with vs. without melasma 1.38 [1.06, 1.81], p=0.02 0.91 [0.68, 1.23], p=0.5 0.84 [0.64, 1.11], p=0.2 1.38 [1.07, 1.77], p=.01 Participants with prior stress disorders with vs. without melasma 0.89 [0.63, 1.27], p=0.5 1.27 [0.87, 1.85], p=0.2 0.97 [0.68, 1.40], p=0.9 1.01 [0.73, 1.41], p=0.9 Participants with prior substance use disorders with vs. without melasma 0.85 [0.50, 1.46], p=0.6 1.23 [0.69, 2.19], p=0.5 1.06 [0.62, 1.84], p=0.8 1.17 [0.71, 1.92], p=0.5 Participants with prior sleep disorders with vs. without melasma 0.83 [0.63, 1.10], p=0.2 1.00 [0.74, 1.34], p=1.0 0.91 [0.68, 1.20], p=0.5 0.77 [0.60, 0.99], p=0.04 aOR: Adjusted Odds Ratio CI: Confidence Interval Table 5: Mental, physical, and social health in participants with melasma (n=746) stratified by income compared with age, sex, and race-matched controls (n=7460). Comparison Low Mental Health (aOR [95% CI], p-value) Low Ability for Social Roles (aOR [95% CI], p-value) Low Social Satisfaction (aOR [95% CI], p-value) Low Physical Health (aOR [95% CI], p-value) Income <$25k participants with vs. without melasma 1.07 [0.72 - 1.60], p=0.7 0.80 [0.43 - 1.49], p=0.5 1.44 [0.57 - 3.65], p=0.4 1.30 [0.89 - 1.90], p=0.2 Income $25k-50k participants with vs. without melasma 0.82 [0.48 - 1.43], p=0.5 2.35 [0.74 - 7.44], p=0.2 1.21 [0.79 - 1.85], p=0.4 1.49 [0.98 - 2.26], p=0.1 Income $50k-100k participants with vs. without melasma 0.71 [0.41 - 1.23], p=0.2 1.31 [0.89 - 1.95], p=0.2 1.04 [0.73 - 1.50], p=0.8 0.68 [0.42 - 1.06], p=0.09 Income $100k-200k participants with vs. without melasma 1.70 [0.62 - 4.68], p=0.3 1.01 [0.62 - 1.63], p=1.0 1.29 [0.61 - 2.74], p=0.5 1.03 [0.74 - 1.42], p=0.8 Income over $200k participants with vs. without Melasma 1.01 [0.67 - 1.52], p=1.0 0.51 [0.31 - 0.84], p=0.01 1.07 [0.73 - 1.59], p=0.6 1.05 [0.71 - 1.55], p=0.8 aOR: Adjusted Odds Ratio CI: Confidence Interval Additional Declarations Competing interest reported. Conflict of Interest: Alan Fleischer is a consultant for Bluefin and Incyte (fees). He is an investigator for Amgen, Avalo, Bayer, Biogen, CellDex, Galderma, Incyte, Leo, and UCB (research support). He is a speaker for Imedic Healthcare Solutions (Hyderabad, India). Brad Woodie, Muayad Shahin, Heather Harrison, and Gabrielle Rivin declare that they have no conflict of interest. Supplementary Files MelasmaOnlineResources.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 03 Sep, 2025 Reviews received at journal 31 Aug, 2025 Reviews received at journal 28 Aug, 2025 Reviews received at journal 24 Aug, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 23 Aug, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 23 Aug, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 22 Aug, 2025 Reviews received at journal 21 Aug, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 21 Aug, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 18 Apr, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 07 Apr, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 07 Apr, 2025 First submitted to journal 05 Apr, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6382566","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":509413452,"identity":"59f5f526-85b5-4c6d-9c5a-4eab9543aad0","order_by":0,"name":"Brad R. Woodie","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA0UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYJACiQSGAwz8QMaBBxABA+K0SDYAtSQQrQWomMHgAJBFlBaD480HbzyouJNvfO3wQ6Ath+UZ2Ju3SeDVcuZYskXCmWeW226nGYC0GDbwHCvDq8XsRo6ZRGLbYQOz2wlgLQkMEkARwlr+HTYwnp3+AaJF/g0xWhoOGxhI58Bs4cGvxR7sl2PPDCRu5xQcSDBIN2zjSSu2wKdFsr354M0fNXcM+Genb/7wocJanp/98MYb+LSgAWCMsJGgfBSMglEwCkYBDgAA0H9OyUNUCXwAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Brad","middleName":"R.","lastName":"Woodie","suffix":""},{"id":509413453,"identity":"ac0b702b-db3a-46a8-a293-fdcd2a84f4f7","order_by":1,"name":"Muayad M. Shahin","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Muayad","middleName":"M.","lastName":"Shahin","suffix":""},{"id":509413454,"identity":"bb73087f-0aad-44af-9430-1803fe76490f","order_by":2,"name":"Gabrielle M. Rivin","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Gabrielle","middleName":"M.","lastName":"Rivin","suffix":""},{"id":509413455,"identity":"0e2c461c-a425-4ab7-b6d0-c62b5f152efd","order_by":3,"name":"Heather C. W. Harrison","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"School of Professional Psychology, Spalding University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Heather","middleName":"C. W.","lastName":"Harrison","suffix":""},{"id":509413456,"identity":"eb0c22e6-b658-432b-a516-1e16298b3085","order_by":4,"name":"Alan B. Fleischer Jr.","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Alan","middleName":"B.","lastName":"Fleischer","suffix":"Jr."}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-04-05 14:23:15","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6382566/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6382566/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":90639812,"identity":"4353a032-093c-43d3-845f-c49c68bb0956","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-09-05 06:18:07","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1844130,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6382566/v1/afd4f7c1-992d-40e0-9803-37f60dc0053e.pdf"},{"id":90639472,"identity":"0beb0017-b3ba-4d64-b665-82903362ec4a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-09-05 06:10:02","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":148299,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"MelasmaOnlineResources.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6382566/v1/132d323866ce9a23f18b3dd6.docx"}],"financialInterests":"Competing interest reported. Conflict of Interest: Alan Fleischer is a consultant for Bluefin and Incyte (fees). He is an investigator for Amgen, Avalo, Bayer, Biogen, CellDex, Galderma, Incyte, Leo, and UCB (research support). He is a speaker for Imedic Healthcare Solutions (Hyderabad, India). Brad Woodie, Muayad Shahin, Heather Harrison, and Gabrielle Rivin declare that they have no conflict of interest.","formattedTitle":"Psychosocial impact of melasma: Asian Americans and people with pre-existing mood or anxiety disorders are disproportionately affected","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eMelasma is a chronic hyperpigmentation disorder primarily affecting sun-exposed areas of the body, particularly the face. It is most common in adult women with darker skin phototypes (Fitzpatrick III, IV), and is notoriously difficult to treat, with a high recurrence rate [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. Due to its frequent involvement of the face and the challenges in achieving effective treatment, melasma significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphic disorder, are more common in people with melasma [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. Prevalence of these conditions varies by region, with patients with melasma in Asia showing the highest prevalence of depression [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImportantly, formal diagnosis of these comorbidities can be biased by factors such as access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and individual health utilization behaviors. Diagnostic codes do not capture the subjective patient experience, which is important for understanding the overall psychosocial health burden in this population. Also, studies that have used diagnostic codes to identify psychiatric comorbidities in melasma patients often do not account for the temporal relationship between melasma and these mental health conditions. Further, patient characteristics that predict greater psychosocial impairment have not been comprehensively evaluated to our knowledge.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this case-control study, we aim to explore the psychosocial impact of melasma, focusing on associations with race and ethnicity, mental health disorders, and socioeconomic status in the United States. The large and diverse \u003cem\u003eAll of Us\u003c/em\u003e research database, previously used to examine melasma risk factors [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e], was utilized to investigate associations between melasma and psychosocial survey responses.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eWe analyzed participant data from the National Institutes of Health\u0026rsquo;s \u003cem\u003eAll of Us\u003c/em\u003e Research Program, controlled tier version seven, which contains deidentified electronic health records of approximately 290,000 individuals. We identified 746 participants with a melasma diagnosis (Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms [SNOMED] code 36209000) in their electronic medical record who also completed the \u0026ldquo;Overall Health\u0026rdquo; survey questions.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCovariates and outcomes\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCovariates included patient age, duration of melasma, sunlight intensity (mean annual global horizontal irradiance; GHI) of the participant\u0026rsquo;s postal code (obtained from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory\u003csup\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e[18]), sex assigned at birth, self-reported race, self-reported ethnicity, patient self-reported income, history of depression, history of hydroquinone use (including combination preparations), history of other common topical medications for melasma (azelaic acid, topical retinoids, niacinamide, tranexamic acid), prior use of combined oral contraceptives, past pregnancy, and past radiation (Online Resource 1). For participants who declined to report their income, the median household income from the participant\u0026rsquo;s postal code was used.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also accounted for the five most common psychiatric diagnostic categories in the \u003cem\u003eAll of Us\u003c/em\u003e cohort (as determined by Barr. et al\u003csup\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003e[2]), which included mood disorders (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)), anxiety disorders (unspecified anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia), substance use disorders (alcohol use disorder, tobacco use disorder, drug use disorders), stress-related disorders (post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder), and sleep disorders (insomnia, other specified sleep disorders) (Online Resource 2). To account for the possible role of pre-existing psychiatric disorders in psychosocial survey responses, the month of the first diagnosis of a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, etc. was compared with the month of the first diagnosis of melasma.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eAll of Us\u003c/em\u003e program uses the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health survey to assess overall health [20]. Selected questions assessed mental, physical, and social health, and scoring of responses is shown in Table 1. Physical health was included to verify that participants were not experiencing difficulties due to other medical conditions unrelated to melasma. Survey responses of \u0026ldquo;poor\u0026rdquo; or \u0026ldquo;fair\u0026rdquo; were categorized as \u0026ldquo;low,\u0026rdquo; and responses of \u0026nbsp;\u0026ldquo;good\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;very good\u0026rdquo;, or \u0026ldquo;excellent\u0026rdquo; were categorized as \u0026ldquo;high\u0026rdquo; as others have done previously [4,23].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurvey responses were first compared within participants with melasma with the above covariates and the outcome as low versus high response for each of the four survey questions.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCase-control analyses\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe then performed three case-control analyses to assess for independent contributions of race/ethnicity, mental health disorders, and income to psychosocial survey responses in participants with melasma. First, we propensity-matched participants with melasma (n=746) in a 1:10 ratio to participants without melasma (n=7,460) on age, sex, and income and compared survey responses, stratified by race and ethnicity. To determine if individuals with both melasma and a pre-existing mental health disorder report lower psychosocial health than individuals with only a mental health disorder, participants with melasma and each of the five categories of mental health disorders were propensity-matched in a 1:10 ratio on age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income to participants without melasma and the corresponding category of mental health disorder. Finally, to evaluate the possible role of income, we propensity-matched participants with melasma to participants without melasma according to age, sex, and race/ethnicity and compared survey responses, stratified by income.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultivariable logistic regression was performed for patients with melasma adjusting for the above covariates and the outcomes as low mental health, low ability to complete social roles, low social satisfaction, and low physical health. Multivariable logistic regression was then conducted for the propensity-matched cases and controls using the above covariates, with the exception of hydroquinone use for melasma, other topical use for melasma, and duration of melasma. Significance was set at two-tailed p\u0026lt;.05, and all analysis was performed in the SAS Studio environment within the All of Us Researcher Workbench.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eCharacteristics of the sample are shown in Online Resource 3 and distribution of responses is shown in Online Resource 4.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdjusted for pre-existing and subsequent psychiatric conditions, self-reported Asian race predicted lower scores for mental and social health compared to White non-Hispanic participants (Table 2 and Online Resource 5). There were no significant differences in self-reported mental, social, or physical health between Black, Hispanic, or other race participants and White non-Hispanic participants. Lower income categories also predicted lower scores for mental, social, and physical health. Longer duration of melasma and greater sunlight intensity did not predict low psychosocial health.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnalysis of the matched cases and controls between race and ethnicity categories supported that Asian Americans with melasma report lower psychosocial health compared with Asian Americans without melasma (Table 3). There was no significant difference in survey responses between people with and without melasma within self-reported White race, Black race, other races, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants with melasma and a pre-existing mood disorder or melasma and a pre-existing anxiety disorder reported lower mental health than participants with only a mood disorder or anxiety disorder (Table 4).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants with melasma versus without melasma did not show significant differences in psychosocial health within income categories, with the exception of improved ability to perform social roles within the over $200k income group (Table 5).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eOur findings indicate that self-reported Asian Americans with melasma experience worse mental and social health compared to self-reported White non-Hispanic Americans with melasma. Additionally, our case-control analysis shows that Asian Americans with melasma had lower psychosocial health scores when compared to Asian Americans without melasma.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis heightened psychosocial burden may stem from multiple sociocultural factors. One contributor may be beauty standards within Asian American communities, where lighter skin is often associated with privilege- a phenomenon linked to colorism [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. In East Asian cultures, sun protection is frequently driven by the desire to prevent skin darkening, reflecting a traditional preference for fair skin [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]. As a result, darker skin can be seen as undesirable, perpetuating these cultural ideals. Tran et al. found that darker skin color in Asian American college students was correlated with higher rates of perceived prejudice and depression [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]. Since melasma leads to darkened skin and irregular pigmentation, it may be particularly distressing for this population, potentially explaining the heightened psychosocial stress among Asian Americans.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, the widespread use of skin-lightening products in Southeast Asia [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e] may also offer insight into why melasma has a stronger psychosocial effect on Asian Americans. While skin care practices in Asia are not identical to those in the United States, these cultural trends may help explain the greater psychological burden melasma places on Asian American individuals.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother potential contributor to the psychosocial status of Asian Americans is perceived discrimination, particularly in healthcare settings. Asian Americans are disproportionately affected by discrimination in healthcare settings, and these experiences are associated with poor health outcomes [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR12\" citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]. Melasma, being a cosmetically sensitive condition, could increase perceived interpersonal discrimination in Asian Americans seeking care. Participants of other self-races and ethnicities who typically have skin of color (Black, Hispanic) did not show associations with psychosocial difficulty in the current study, possibly supporting the role of cultural norms in the psychological impact of melasma.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMelasma appears to have an additional impact in individuals with pre-existing mood or anxiety disorders. Perceived discrimination is also strongly associated with psychiatric disorders [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e], and people with melasma could have a heightened sensitivity to perceived cosmetic flaws. A study of people who underwent elective septorhinoplasty found that people with body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety, or depression experienced significantly less improvement in quality of life, suggesting that those with mood and anxiety disorders are more prone to worsened mental health as a result of perceived cosmetic imperfections [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. Future research may be able to elucidate connections between melasma with specific neuropsychiatric diagnoses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is independently associated with experienced stigma and embarrassment [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. Ultimately, clinicians should be aware that individuals with melasma and a pre-existing mood or anxiety disorder represent a higher-risk group for psychological complications of their skin condition and may benefit from additional psychological support.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinally, while lower-income participants with melasma reported worse mental, social, and physical health, there was no significant difference when comparing them to similarly socioeconomically situated individuals without melasma. This suggests that the poorer psychosocial health observed in people with lower incomes (which is a known phenomenon\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) is independent of melasma. Although a financial burden is not implied by our results, hydroquinone is available by prescription only in the United States and is generally not covered by insurance\u003csup\u003e16\u003c/sup\u003e due to the \u0026ldquo;cosmetic\u0026rdquo; nature of the condition.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study has limitations. Race and ethnicity are self-reported as social categories; thus, participant skin phototype is not known. Also, substantial cultural heterogeneity is present within races and ethnicities; the classifications in this study are a simplification and they cannot represent the experience of each included individual. Although the \u003cem\u003eAll of Us\u003c/em\u003e participant base includes individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual backgrounds, it is not a representative sample of the United States. In addition, no established minimal clinically important difference exists for the surveys used in this study. A further limitation is the absence of a visual severity assessment. However, even when evaluated, objective measures of disease severity may not fully capture the patient\u0026rsquo;s subjective experience. Future studies could address these limitations by incorporating both objective ratings and patient-reported outcomes for melasma.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eOur study investigated the mental health impact of melasma on different groups in the United States, adjusting for pre-existing and subsequent diagnoses of psychiatric conditions. Asian Americans with melasma reported worse mental and social health compared to non-Hispanic White Americans with melasma and compared to Asian Americans without melasma. People with melasma and a pre-existing mood or anxiety disorder also report worse mental health than people with mood or anxiety disorders alone, suggesting that melasma may have an additional impact in people with these psychiatric diagnoses.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eWe gratefully acknowledge \u003cem\u003eAll of Us\u003c/em\u003e participants for their contributions, without whom this research would not have been possible. We also thank the National Institutes of Health\u0026rsquo;s \u003cem\u003eAll of Us\u003c/em\u003e Research Program for making available the participant data examined in this study. The \u003cem\u003eAll of Us\u003c/em\u003e Research Program is supported by the NIH, Office of the Director: Regional Medical Centers: 1 OT2 OD026549; 1 OT2 OD026554; 1 OT2 OD026557; 1 OT2 OD026556; 1 OT2 OD026550; 1 OT2 OD 026552; 1 OT2 OD026553; 1 OT2 OD026548; 1 OT2 OD026551; 1 OT2 OD026555; IAA number: AOD 16037; Federally Qualified Health Centers: HHSN 263201600085U; Data and Research Center: 5 U2C OD023196; Biobank: 1 U24 OD023121; The Participant Center: U24 OD023176; Participant Technology Systems Center: 1 U24 OD023163; Communications and Engagement: 3 OT2 OD023205; 3 OT2 OD023206; and Community Partners: 1 OT2 OD025277; 3 OT2 OD025315; 1 OT2 OD025337; 1 OT2 OD025276.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor Contributions:\u003c/strong\u003e Conceptualization: [Brad Woodie, Muayad Shahin, Alan Fleischer], Methodology: [Brad Woodie, Alan Fleischer], Formal analysis and investigation: [Brad Woodie], Writing - original draft preparation: [Brad Woodie, Muayad Shahin, Heather Harrison, Gabrielle Rivin]; Writing - review and editing: [Brad Woodie, Muayad Shahin, Heather Harrison, Gabrielle Rivin, Alan Fleischer], Supervision: [Gabrielle Rivin, Alan Fleischer]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe authors received no funding for this study.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Availability Statement:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThis study used the\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;All of Us\u003c/em\u003e Research Program\u0026rsquo;s Controlled Tier Dataset version 7, available to authorized users on the Researcher Workbench.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflict of Interest:\u003c/strong\u003e Alan Fleischer is a consultant for Bluefin and Incyte (fees). He is an investigator for Amgen, Avalo, Bayer, Biogen, CellDex, Galderma, Incyte, Leo, and UCB (research support). He is a speaker for Imedic Healthcare Solutions (Hyderabad, India). Brad Woodie, Muayad Shahin, Heather Harrison, and Gabrielle Rivin declare that they have no conflict of interest.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Approval:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eNot needed, as this was non-human subject research.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePatient Consent:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eNot applicable, as this was non-human subject research.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlonso J, Buron A, Bruffaerts R, et al. Association of perceived stigma and mood and anxiety disorders: results from the World Mental Health Surveys. \u003cem\u003eActa Psychiatr Scand\u003c/em\u003e. 2008;118(4):305-314. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0447.2008.01241.x\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarr PB, Bigdeli TB, Meyers JL. Prevalence, Comorbidity, and Sociodemographic Correlates of Psychiatric Diagnoses Reported in the All of Us Research Program. \u003cem\u003eJAMA Psychiatry\u003c/em\u003e. 2022;79(6):622-628. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.0685\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChen W, Wan Y, Sun Y, Gao C, Li J. Prevalence of depression in melasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. \u003cem\u003eFront Psychiatry\u003c/em\u003e. 2024;14:1276906. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1276906\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrummer E, Cohen JT, Rosmarin D, Lin PJ. Impact on quality of life, health care access, and health care utilization of individuals with vitiligo: an analysis of the All of Us research program. \u003cem\u003eArch Dermatol Res\u003c/em\u003e. 2024;316(8):1-7. doi:10.1007/s00403-024-03275-8\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDabas G, Vinay K, Parsad D, Kumar A, Kumaran M s. Psychological disturbances in patients with pigmentary disorders: a cross-sectional study. \u003cem\u003eJ Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol\u003c/em\u003e. 2020;34(2):392-399. doi:10.1111/jdv.15987\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFern\u0026aacute;ndez de la Cruz L, Kolvenbach S, Vidal-Ribas P, et al. Illness perception, help-seeking attitudes, and knowledge related to obsessive-compulsive disorder across different ethnic groups: a community survey. \u003cem\u003eSoc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol\u003c/em\u003e. 2016;51(3):455-464. doi:10.1007/s00127-015-1144-9\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandel AC, Miot LDB, Miot HA. Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review. \u003cem\u003eAn Bras Dermatol\u003c/em\u003e. 2014;89(5):771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHill R. Melasma Risk Factors: A Matched Cohort Study Using Data From the All of Us Research Program. \u003cem\u003eCutis\u003c/em\u003e. 2024;114(3). doi:10.12788/cutis.1089\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHohenberger R, Endres P, Salzmann I, et al. Quality of Life and Screening on Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Depression, Anxiety in Septorhinoplasty. \u003cem\u003eThe Laryngoscope\u003c/em\u003e. 2024;134(5):2187-2193. doi:10.1002/lary.31212\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHunter M. The Persistent Problem of Colorism: Skin Tone, Status, and Inequality. \u003cem\u003eSociol Compass\u003c/em\u003e. 2007;1(1):237-254. doi:10.1111/j.1751-9020.2007.00006.x\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLe TK, Cha L, Gee G, Dean LT, Juon HS, Tseng W. Asian American Self-Reported Discrimination in Healthcare and Having a Usual Source of Care. \u003cem\u003eJ Racial Ethn Health Disparities\u003c/em\u003e. 2023;10(1):259-270. doi:10.1007/s40615-021-01216-z\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcMurtry CL, Findling MG, Casey LS, et al. Discrimination in the United States: Experiences of Asian Americans. \u003cem\u003eHealth Serv Res\u003c/em\u003e. 2019;54(S2):1419-1430. doi:10.1111/1475-6773.13225\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMisra R, Hunte H. Perceived discrimination and health outcomes among Asian Indians in the United States. \u003cem\u003eBMC Health Serv Res\u003c/em\u003e. 2016;16(1):567. doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1821-8\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePedley R, Bee P, Wearden A, Berry K. Illness perceptions in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder; A qualitative study. Eisenbarth H, ed. \u003cem\u003ePLOS ONE\u003c/em\u003e. 2019;14(3):e0213495. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0213495\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeltzer K, Pengpid S, James C. The globalization of whitening: prevalence of skin lighteners (or bleachers) use and its social correlates among university students in 26 countries. \u003cem\u003eInt J Dermatol\u003c/em\u003e. 2016;55(2):165-172. doi:10.1111/ijd.12860\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrice L, Vashi N, Ferguson N. Hydroquinone. Skin of Color Society. January 12, 2024. Accessed April 3, 2025. https://skinofcolorsociety.org/discover-patients-public/patient-education/hydroquinone\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRodriguez-Seijas C, Stohl M, Hasin DS, Eaton NR. Transdiagnostic Factors and Mediation of the Relationship Between Perceived Racial Discrimination and Mental Disorders. \u003cem\u003eJAMA Psychiatry\u003c/em\u003e. 2015;72(7):706-713. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.0148\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSengupta M, Xie Y, Lopez A, Habte A, Maclaurin G, Shelby J. The National Solar Radiation Data Base (NSRDB). \u003cem\u003eRenew Sustain Energy Rev\u003c/em\u003e. 2018;89:51-60. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.003\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSheth VM, Pandya AG. Melasma: A comprehensive update: Part I. \u003cem\u003eJ Am Acad Dermatol\u003c/em\u003e. 2011;65(4):689-697. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.12.046\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSurvey Explorer \u0026ndash; All of Us Research Hub. Accessed November 18, 2024. https://www.researchallofus.org/data-tools/survey-explorer/\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTran AGTT, Cheng HL, Netland JD, Miyake ER. Far from fairness: Prejudice, skin color, and psychological functioning in Asian Americans. \u003cem\u003eCultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol\u003c/em\u003e. 2017;23(3):407-415. doi:10.1037/cdp0000128\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTsai J, Chien AL. Photoprotection for Skin of Color. \u003cem\u003eAm J Clin Dermatol\u003c/em\u003e. 2022;23(2):195-205. doi:10.1007/s40257-021-00670-z\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeintraub JA, Moss KL, Finlayson TL, Jones JA, Preisser JS. A Comparative Analysis of Oral Health and Self-Rated Health: \u0026ldquo;All of Us Research Program\u0026rdquo; vs. \u0026ldquo;Health and Retirement Study.\u0026rdquo; \u003cem\u003eInt J Environ Res Public Health\u003c/em\u003e. 2024;21(9):1210. doi:10.3390/ijerph21091210\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZhu Y, Du X, Shen S, Song X, Xiang W. Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms in patients with melasma. \u003cem\u003eInt J Dermatol\u003c/em\u003e. 2024;63(6):787-794. doi:10.1111/ijd.17013\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Tables","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1: Survey questions, responses, and binary categorization in the study.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"625\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 389px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuestion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResponse\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 91px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategory\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 389px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn general, how would you rate your mental health, including your mood and your ability to think?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 91px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLow\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFair\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 91px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHigh\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery good\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExcellent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 389px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn general, please rate how well you carry out your usual social roles (This includes activities at home, at work and in your community, and responsibilities as a parent, child, spouse, employee, friend, etc.).\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 91px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLow\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFair\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 91px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHigh\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery good\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExcellent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 389px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn general, how would you rate your satisfaction with your social activities and relationships?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 91px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLow\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFair\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 91px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHigh\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery good\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExcellent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 389px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn general, how would you rate your physical health?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 91px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLow\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFair\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 91px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHigh\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery good\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 145px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExcellent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2: Association of race and income with low mental and social health in n=746 participants with melasma, adjusting for pre-existing psychiatric conditions.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"664\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComparison\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Mental Health\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Social Roles\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Social Satisfaction\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Physical Health\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAge (continuous)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0 (1.0, 1.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0 (1.0, 1.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0 (1.0, 1.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0 (1.0, 1.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale vs Male\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.7 (0.6, 13)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.3 (0.5, 11)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.9 (0.3, 2.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.9 (0.9, 9.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOther sex vs Male\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.7 (0.5, 28)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.8 (0.2, 15)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.5 (0.3, 6.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e13.6 (2.6-70)**\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAsian\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e vs White\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.9 (1.9, 13)**\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.5 (1.4, 9.2)***\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.7 (2.0, 11)***\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.2 (0.4, 3.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBlack vs White\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.2 (0.5, 2.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.2 (0.5, 2.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.5 (0.7, 3.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.7 (0.4, 1.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOther race\u003csup\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003evs White\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.5 (0.6, 3.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.1 (0.4, 3.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.5 (0.6, 3.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.7 (0.3, 1.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHispanic vs White Non-Hispanic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1.9 (1.1, 3.6)*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.5 (0.8, 2.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.4 (0.8, 2.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.1 (1.3, 3.5)**\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;$25k vs Over 200k\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.6 (1.2, 11)*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.8 (1.1, 13)*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.7 (1.3, 10)*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.6 (1.1, 6.3)*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e$25k\u0026ndash;50k vs Over 200k\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.2 (0.7, 6.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.8 (0.5, 6.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.0 (0.7, 5.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.5 (1.0, 5.9)*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e$50k\u0026ndash;100k vs Over 200k\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.7 (0.6, 4.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.2 (0.7, 6.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.8 (0.7, 4.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.2 (0.5, 2.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e$100k\u0026ndash;200k vs Over 200k\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.1 (0.4, 3.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.3 (0.4, 4.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.2 (0.4, 3.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.5 (0.2, 1.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePre-existing\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e mood disorder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.8 (1.6, 5.0)***\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.3 (1.3, 4.3)**\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.0 (1.7, 5.2)***\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.7 (1.6, 4.3)***\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSubsequent mood disorder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.0 (0.9, 4.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.9 (0.9, 4.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.5 (1.2, 5.2)*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.1 (0.6, 2.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePre-existing anxiety disorder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.2 (1.2, 3.9)*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.2 (0.7, 2.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.5 (0.9, 2.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.1 (0.7, 1.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSubsequent anxiety disorder\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.1 (1.1, 4.1)*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.5 (0.7, 2.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.4 (0.7, 2.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0 (0.6, 1.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePre-existing substance use disorder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.3 (0.7, 2.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.3 (0.6, 2.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.5 (0.8, 2.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.4 (1.3, 4.6)*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSubsequent substance use disorder\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.1 (0.4, 12)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.9 (0.3, 11)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.5 (0.1, 4.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.6 (0.6, 12)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePre-existing stress disorder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.1 (0.6, 2.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.6 (0.9, 2.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.3 (0.7, 2.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.6 (1.0, 2.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSubsequent stress disorder\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.7 (1.2, 5.7)*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.7 (1.2, 5.8)*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.1 (1.0, 4.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.6 (0.7, 3.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePre-existing sleep disorder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.2 (0.7, 2.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.6 (0.9, 2.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.1 (0.6, 1.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1.7 (1.0-2.7)*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSubsequent sleep disorder\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.9 (0.4, 1.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.6 (0.8, 3.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.3 (0.7, 2.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.6 (0.9, 2.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHydroquinone used\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0 (0.6, 1.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.8 (0.5, 1.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0 (0.6, 1.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.9 (0.6, 1.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOther topicals used\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.1 (0.7, 1.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.2 (0.7, 2.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.9 (0.6, 1.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.7 (0.4, 1.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePast pregnancy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.2 (0.7, 2.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.7 (0.4, 1.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.6 (0.3, 1.0)*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.7 (0.4, 1.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePast combined oral contraceptives\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.8 (0.5, 1.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.9 (0.5, 1.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.9 (0.5, 1.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.8 (0.5, 1.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePast radiation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.3 (0.7, 2.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.1 (0.6, 2.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.1 (0.6, 2.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.8 (0.4, 1.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGlobal Horizontal Irradiance (continuous)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.8 (0.5, 1.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0 (0.6, 1.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0 (0.6, 1.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.8 (0.5, 1.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 227px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDuration (continuous)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0 (0.9, 1.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0 (0.9, 1.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0 (0.9, 1.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0 (0.9, 1.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003eAdjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are shown. * p\u0026lt;.05; ** p\u0026lt;.01; *** p\u0026lt;.001.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003eRace and ethnicity were obtained from self-report and were included in this analysis as a goal of All of Us to collect and report data from a diverse group of participants. \u0026ldquo;Other\u0026rdquo; races included American Indian or Alaskan Native, Middle Eastern or North African, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, race not specified, and more than one population.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026ldquo;Pre-existing\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;Subsequent\u0026rdquo; refer to the date of first melasma diagnosis. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3: Mental, physical, and social health in participants with melasma (n=746) stratified by race and ethnicity compared with age, sex, and income-matched controls (n=7460).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"864\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 232px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComparison\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 146px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Mental Health (aOR [95% CI], p-value)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Ability for Social Roles (aOR [95% CI], p-value)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Social Satisfaction (aOR [95% CI], p-value)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Physical Health (aOR [95% CI], p-value)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 232px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsian participants with vs. without melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 146px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.04 [1.28, 12.8], p=0.02\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.46 [1.19, 10.1], p=0.02\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.07 [1.13, 8.3], p=0.03\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.70 [0.22, 2.24], p=0.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 232px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhite participants with vs. without melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 146px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.76 [0.50, 1.15], p=0.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.86 [0.55, 1.36], p=0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.67 [0.44, 1.02], p=0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.80 [0.57, 1.13], p=0.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 232px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack participants with vs. without melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 146px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.73 [0.34, 1.56], p=0.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.82 [0.34, 1.76], p=0.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.75 [0.39, 1.43], p=0.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.69 [0.37, 1.27], p=0.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 232px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOther race participants with vs. without melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 146px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.19 [0.44, 3.23], p=0.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.19 [0.40, 3.53], p=0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.92 [0.79, 4.67], p=0.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.40 [0.14, 1.14], p=0.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 232px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHispanic or Latino participants with vs. without melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 146px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.04 [0.68, 1.59], p=0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.16 [0.72, 1.86], p=0.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.21 [0.78, 1.87], p=0.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.91 [0.64, 1.31], p=0.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eaOR: Adjusted Odds Ratio\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCI: Confidence Interval\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 4: Mental, physical, and social health in participants with melasma and pre-existing mood disorders (n=230), anxiety disorders (n=206), stress disorders (n=130), substance use disorders (n=65), or sleep disorders (n=39) stratified by income compared to controls with the corresponding mental health disorders matched at a 1:10 ratio on age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"860\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Mental Health (aOR [95% CI], p-value)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Ability for Social Roles (aOR [95% CI], p-value)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 163px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Social Satisfaction (aOR [95% CI], p-value)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 163px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Physical Health (aOR [95% CI], p-value)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParticipants with prior mood disorders with vs. without melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1.32 [1.01, 1.72], p=0.04\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00 [0.74, 1.33], p=1.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 163px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.94 [0.72, 1.24], p=0.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 163px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.87 [0.68, 1.11], p=0.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParticipants with prior anxiety disorders with vs. without melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1.38 [1.06, 1.81], p=0.02\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.91 [0.68, 1.23], p=0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 163px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.84 [0.64, 1.11], p=0.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 163px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.38 [1.07, 1.77], p=.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParticipants with prior stress disorders with vs. without melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.89 [0.63, 1.27], p=0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.27 [0.87, 1.85], p=0.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 163px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.97 [0.68, 1.40], p=0.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 163px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.01 [0.73, 1.41], p=0.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParticipants with prior substance use disorders with vs. without melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.85 [0.50, 1.46], p=0.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.23 [0.69, 2.19], p=0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 163px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.06 [0.62, 1.84], p=0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 163px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.17 [0.71, 1.92], p=0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParticipants with prior sleep disorders with vs. without melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.83 [0.63, 1.10], p=0.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00 [0.74, 1.34], p=1.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 163px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.91 [0.68, 1.20], p=0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 163px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.77 [0.60, 0.99], p=0.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eaOR: Adjusted Odds Ratio\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCI: Confidence Interval\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 5: Mental, physical, and social health in participants with melasma (n=746) stratified by income compared with age, sex, and race-matched controls (n=7460).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"864\" class=\"fr-table-selection-hover\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 240px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComparison\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Mental Health (aOR [95% CI], p-value)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 153px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Ability for Social Roles (aOR [95% CI], p-value)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Social Satisfaction (aOR [95% CI], p-value)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Physical Health (aOR [95% CI], p-value)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 240px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncome \u0026lt;$25k participants with vs. without melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.07 [0.72 - 1.60], p=0.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 153px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.80 [0.43 - 1.49], p=0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.44 [0.57 - 3.65], p=0.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.30 [0.89 - 1.90], p=0.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 240px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncome $25k-50k participants with vs. without melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.82 [0.48 - 1.43], p=0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 153px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.35 [0.74 - 7.44], p=0.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.21 [0.79 - 1.85], p=0.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.49 [0.98 - 2.26], p=0.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 240px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncome $50k-100k participants with vs. without melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.71 [0.41 - 1.23], p=0.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 153px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.31 [0.89 - 1.95], p=0.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.04 [0.73 - 1.50], p=0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.68 [0.42 - 1.06], p=0.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 240px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncome $100k-200k participants with vs. without melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.70 [0.62 - 4.68], p=0.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 153px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.01 [0.62 - 1.63], p=1.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.29 [0.61 - 2.74], p=0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.03 [0.74 - 1.42], p=0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 240px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncome over $200k participants with vs. without Melasma\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.01 [0.67 - 1.52], p=1.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 153px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.51 [0.31 - 0.84], p=0.01\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.07 [0.73 - 1.59], p=0.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 162px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.05 [0.71 - 1.55], p=0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eaOR: Adjusted Odds Ratio\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCI: Confidence Interval\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":true,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"archives-of-dermatological-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Archives of Dermatological Research](https://www.springer.com/journal/403)","snPcode":"403","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/403/3","title":"Archives of Dermatological Research","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Hyperpigmentation, Quality of Life, Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Socioeconomic Factors, Race, Ethnicity, Case-Control Studies, Psychosocial Factors, Patient-Reported Outcomes","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6382566/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6382566/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eMelasma is a chronic hyperpigmentation disorder that primarily affects sun-exposed areas of the skin, especially the face. It is most common in adult women with darker skin phototypes (Fitzpatrick III and IV), and it is notoriously difficult to treat. As a result, melasma can adversely impact mental health and quality of life, with affected individuals having higher rates of depression. This study explored the psychosocial associations of melasma using data from the National Institutes of Health\u0026rsquo;s \u003cem\u003eAll of Us\u003c/em\u003e Research Program. A total of 746 participants with a melasma diagnosis who completed the \u0026ldquo;Overall Health\u0026rdquo; survey were identified and matched with control participants on age, sex, race, and income. Covariates such as duration of melasma, sunlight intensity, treatment history, and pre-existing psychiatric conditions were accounted for in multivariable logistic regression analyses within melasma and between cases and controls. Results revealed that self-reported Asian Americans with melasma had lower mental and social health scores compared with both non-Hispanic White Americans with melasma and Asian Americans without melasma. This association may partly result from beauty ideals in Asian American communities, where lighter skin is regarded as a symbol of privilege. Additionally, individuals with melasma and a pre-existing mood or anxiety disorder reported poorer mental health than those with only the psychiatric disorder. These findings suggest that the psychosocial impact of melasma may be magnified in Asian Americans and people with mood or anxiety disorders. This study emphasizes the need for psychological support for patients at higher risk of adverse mental health outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Psychosocial impact of melasma: Asian Americans and people with pre-existing mood or anxiety disorders are disproportionately affected","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-09-05 06:09:57","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6382566/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-09-03T04:33:51+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-08-31T14:04:16+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-08-28T09:59:47+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-08-25T03:01:03+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"154684392802160264003067083259069201902","date":"2025-08-23T07:02:23+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"311536309265938592944029334660072811590","date":"2025-08-23T04:57:39+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"294373117795833698397432425248407030197","date":"2025-08-22T04:22:37+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-08-21T21:02:06+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"314340421011894737620224172628726999740","date":"2025-08-21T11:37:58+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-04-18T14:27:24+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-04-07T13:16:52+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-04-07T13:15:09+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Archives of Dermatological Research","date":"2025-04-05T14:16:09+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"archives-of-dermatological-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Archives of Dermatological Research](https://www.springer.com/journal/403)","snPcode":"403","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/403/3","title":"Archives of Dermatological Research","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"c2229213-431c-4953-b134-a569b6816a1b","owner":[],"postedDate":"September 5th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-11-03T16:23:12+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-09-05 06:09:57","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6382566","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6382566","identity":"rs-6382566","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}

Text is read by the "Ask this paper" AI Q&A widget below. Extraction quality varies by source — PMC NXML preserves structure cleanly, OA-HTML may include some navigation residue, and OA-PDF can have broken hyphenation. The publisher copy (via DOI) is the canonical version.

My notes (saved in your browser only)

Ask this paper AI returns verbatim quotes from the full text · source: preprint-html

Answers must be backed by verbatim quotes from this paper's full text. Hallucinated quotes are dropped automatically; if no verbatim passage answers the question, we say so. How this works

Citation neighborhood (no data yet)

We don't have any in-corpus citations linked to this paper yet. This is a recent paper (2025) — citers typically take a year or two to land, and the OpenAlex reference graph may still be filling in.

Source provenance

europepmc
last seen: 2026-05-20T01:45:00.602351+00:00