Use of Alternative Medicine by Patients with Psoriasis.
10.5021/ad.2001.13.1.1
- Author:
Sang Ho NAM
;
Ho Gyun LEE
;
Kwang Ho KIM
;
Kwang Joong KIM
;
Chong Ju LEE
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Alternative medicine;
Psoriasis
- MeSH:
Complementary Therapies*;
Humans;
Mass Media;
Psoriasis*;
Skin
- From:Annals of Dermatology
2001;13(1):1-6
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a disabling and intractable disease influencing the psychosocial life of the patients. Patients who are frustrated with orthodox medicine may explore alternative therapies. OBJECTIVE: This study was done to research on the actual condition of the use of alternative medicine in the patients with psoriasis. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was constructed, and was given to the patients to answer our questions. RESULTS: Among 128 patients with psoriasis, 61 (47.7%) reported previous use of one or more forms of alternative medicine. The absence of satisfactory long-term effects of physician-provided therapy was the main reason for patients trying alternative medicine. Persons without skin s disease and the mass media were the main sources of information on alternative medicine. CONCLUSION: Alternative therapies were widely utilized by subjects participating in this study, and dermatologists need to be aware of alternative treatments employed by their patients.
