Melasma assessment severity index

Index for assessing the extent and severity of melasma.

Included are 4 facial regions and 3 summing criteria:

facial regions:

• Forehead region (30%)
• Left cheekbone region (30%)
• Right cheekbone region (30%)
• Chin region (10%)

The clinical criteria are:

• Area (0=not involved; 1=<10%; 2 = 10%-29%; 3 = 30%-49%; 4 = 50%-69%; 5 = 70%-89%; 6= 90%-100%)
• degree of pigmentation (0 = absent; 1 = slight; 2 = mild; 3 = marked; and 4 = maximum)
• Homogeneity (0 = absent; 1 = slight; 2 = mild; 3 = marked; and 4 = maximum)

The MASI score is calculated by adding the sum of the severity ratings for darkness and homogeneity, multiplied by the value of the area of involvement, for each of the 4 facial areas.

The score ranges from 0-48. It can be used as a baseline and also for treatment follow up.

1. Pandya AG et al (2011) Reliability assessment and validation of the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) and a new modified MASI scoring method. J Am Acad Dermatol 64: 78-83.