Case Analysis of Side Effects following Illegal Therapeutic Attempts by Non-medical Personnel.
- Author:
Sung Bin CHO
1
;
Sang Ju LEE
;
Jae Hong SHIM
;
Dong Hyun KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Armed Forces Yangju Hospital, Yangju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Cosmetic;
Illegal;
Non-medical personnel
- MeSH:
Acne Vulgaris;
Acneiform Eruptions;
Cicatrix;
Coinfection;
Cosmetics;
Dermatitis, Contact;
Humans;
Hyperpigmentation;
Laser Therapy;
Melanosis;
Nevus, Pigmented;
Public Health;
Skin Aging;
Tattooing
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2008;46(11):1507-1512
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Cases of patients presenting side effects after illegal therapeutic attempts by non-medical personnel have been increasing and the patterns of attempts and related side effects become complicated. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the causes and characteristics of illegal therapeutic attempts and its' side effects performed by non-medical personnel. METHODS: Between April 1, 2008 and April 30, 2008, a total of 120 case reports of patients who developed side effects after illegal therapeutic attempts by non-medical personnel were collected from the members of the Korean dermatological association and analyzed. RESULTS: Clinical diagnoses, suggested to have before receiving illegal therapeutic attempts, revealed that 44 (36.6%) patients presented various pigmentary disorders, such as acquired melanocytic nevi and melasma, 22 (18.3%) wanted to have tattooing for permanent make up, skin aging in 16 (13.3%) cases, and acne in 10 (8.3%). Illegal therapeutic attempts performed included tattooing for permanent make up in 22 (18.3%) cases, peelings 19 (15.8%), laser therapies 18 (15.0%), and filler injection 12 (10.0%). The various clinical diagnoses of the patients with side effects were suggested, such as contact dermatitis in 34 (25.6%) cases, scarring in 33 (24.8%), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation 20 (15.0%), secondary infection 19 (14.3%), and acne or acneiform eruption 9 (6.8%). CONCLUSION: In this report, we demonstrated patterns of illegal therapeutic attempts by non-medical personnel and its' side effects. We suggest that more effort should be followed by dermatologists to inform patients the risks of the illegal therapeutic attempts by non-medical personnel and to increase public health awareness.
