Common dermatologic conditions

Utilization and prescription patterns of topical steroids: a study at dessie comprehensive specialized hospital, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Topical steroids are widely used in dermatology for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, but misuse can cause skin thinning and systemic issues. In Ethiopia, where skin conditions are common, understanding how topical steroids are prescribed and used is essential for ensuring their safe and effective use.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to assess topical steroids' prescription and utilization pattern in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (DCSH) from February 1 to May 30, 2024.

METHODOLOGY

The study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach, analyzing data from 175 patient records on prescription and utilization patterns of topical steroids at DCSH. Participants were selected using a random sampling technique. Data were categorized and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010, with findings presented through descriptive statistics, including tables and figures.

RESULT

Eczematous dermatitis (31.49%) was the most common skin disease observed, followed by dermatophytosis (12.15%). Out of 304 drugs prescribed, averaging 1.73 per prescription, clobetasol (44.4%) and betamethasone (25.0%) were the most common topical corticosteroids. These steroids were primarily prescribed for eczema, dermatitis, pigmentary disorders, psoriasis, urticaria, and lichen planus. The commonly prescribed drugs were topical steroids 108[35.53%]. Generic names were used for 54.63% of the 108 topical steroids prescribed.

CONCLUSION

The study found that dermatitis and eczema are the most common skin conditions treated in dermatology clinics, with topical steroids being the main treatment. However, many prescriptions lacked details on the application site, treatment duration, and quantity. To improve safety and effectiveness, the study recommends community education, better dermatological services, and increased oversight in professional training.

Treatment of Common Dermatologic Conditions

Dermatologic concerns are discussed in about a third of all primary care visits. This review discusses treatments for common dermatologic diagnoses addressed in primary care settings, with an emphasis on new and emerging treatments. Topical, oral, and injectable treatment of common forms of alopecia, facial rashes, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis will be discussed to help increase comfort in prescribing and alert providers to common side effects or complications of more intensive treatments used by dermatologists.

Efficacy and safety of a novel herbal solution for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and comparison with 5% minoxidil: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial study

FDA-approved drugs for the most common type of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia (AGA), present many side effects and disadvantages. However, herbal compounds are characterized by patient compliance, fewer side effects, and several mechanisms of action. The present study set to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the topical herbal solution and to compare it with 5% minoxidil in men with AGA. A randomized, double-blind controlled trial was conducted from 28 November 2018 to 2 September 2019, in Sina Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. 24 healthy males (mean [SD] age 33.04 [5.81]) with mild to moderate AGA were selected from 44 volunteer participants. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) into two groups. They received 1 ml of topical solutions at morning and evening intervals for 9 months. Primary outcomes consisted of measured hair diameters at baseline and repeated at weeks 12, 24, and 36. Furthermore, hair density was measured at baseline and week 36. The MTS + THS group was significantly superior to the MTS group after 36 weeks of therapy in the hair diameter improvement. At week 36, the mean hair diameter of the MTS + THS group significantly increased compared to the MTS group (P = .001). Hair density increased in both groups; however, only in the MTS + THS group, it was significant (P < .05). The findings established that the topical herbal solution has significant influence on patients with AGA and improvement of their quality of life. This solution can be considered a significant step towards the prevention and treatment of AGA. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03753113.

Selected Disorders of Skin Appendages--Acne, Alopecia, Hyperhidrosis

This article reviewed some of the more common diseases of the skin appendages that are encountered in medicine: hyperhidrosis, acne, AA, FPHL, AGA, and TE. The pathophysiology behind the conditions and their treatments were discussed so that the clinician can make logical therapeutic choices for their affected patients.