BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is an increasingly prevalent chronic disease commonly treated with topical corticosteroids (TCS), though these agents are often misused. There is a need to explore the factors influencing non-adherence to TCS among psoriasis patients in the Philippines.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding TCS among Filipino patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 76 Filipino patients with psoriasis in a tertiary hospital using a constructed validated questionnaire.

RESULTS

Patient scores clustered at the upper end of the distribution, indicating a generally good level of KAP regarding TCS. Increasing age was associated with a lower level of knowledge while female respondents had a higher level of knowledge. Higher knowledge levels were associated with better patient attitude, and better patient attitude was associated with better practice.

CONCLUSION

Predictors of correct KAP regarding TCS are less likely influenced by sociodemographic and clinical factors; rather, these three domains significantly correlate with each other. Physicians can utilize these interrelationships by educating patients regarding their topical treatment to yield more positive attitudes regarding its efficacy and minimize their fear of side effects, which can motivate them to adhere to prescribed therapy.

Corticosteroids ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Knowledge ; Attitude ; Psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Postpartum abdominal laxity is a growing concern for women. Noninvasive options like microwave technology and fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser show promise, but their combined efficacy and safety require further investigation.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of microwaves versus combined microwaves and fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of postpartum abdominal laxity among Filipino patients.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III-V and postpartum abdominal laxity received three microwaves sessions, with one side randomly assigned an additional fractional carbon dioxide laser session (designated as side B, while the other as side A). Global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) scores and patient satisfaction (PS) scores were determined at every follow-up. Baseline and completion body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were taken, and adverse effects were recorded.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in GAIS and PS scores were noted for both sides across all sessions, with side B showing superior scores post-CO2 laser. These improvements were attributed to epidermal thickening and dermal collagen and elastin remodeling, the latter seen histologically in a representative patient. Adverse effects were mild and noted only with CO2 laser.

CONCLUSION

The combined use of the microwaves system and fractional CO2 laser is safe and well-tolerated and is superior to microwaves alone in the treatment of postpartum abdominal laxity.

Human ; Co2 Laser ; Microwaves