RATIONALE

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in fair-skinned populations. Overall, strategies focus on modifiable risk factors such as reducing ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure through physical, topical or systemic protection. Currently, data on knowledge, attitude and practices of Filipino patients on UV index in relation to sun protection is unavailable.

The objective of this study is to improve sunscreen use among patients seen in a tertiary hospital in Manila, specifically after UV index education.

The study will be conducted among patients at the outpatient department of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Department of Dermatology, after UV index education. Patients who will be included are aged 18 to 65 years old, belonging to both sexes and able to understand English or Filipino. The exclusion criteria includes children, elderly greater than the age of 65, prisoners, mentally handicapped or those with incurable diseases.

3 weeks 

The outcome is the improvement in sunscreen use among patients seen in a tertiary hospital in Manila, specifically after UV index education.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased over the years. Although the incidence of CAM use among general and disease-specific groups has been researched, little is known about CAM use among Filipino dermatological patients. This study aims to determine the extent and nature of complementary medicine use among patients with dermatologic problems seen in this institution.

This is a descriptive, prospective study that made use of a researcher-created questionnaire to determine the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine. Six months of research were undertaken at the Dermatology clinic of a tertiary hospital. It utilized convenience sampling technique consisting of patients who visited the Dermatology clinic for an in-person consultation.

Sixty-five percent of the participants had attempted at least one kind of CAM to treat their dermatological condition, with the majority of participants between the ages of 18 and 25 (25.3%). The most prevalent condition treated with CAM was allergies (36.7%) of unknown etiology, followed by fungal infection (17.7%) and eczema (11.4%). Herbal medicine (65.8%) was the most popular method among respondents, followed by folk medicine, which was primarily recommended by family/relatives. The majority of CAM users were influenced by others, and several were financially challenged. Most CAM users reported no or minimal disease improvement, and the majority do not recommend CAM to others.

This is the first study to investigate the use of complementary and alternative medicine in dermatologic diseases in general in the country. Board-certified dermatologist should keep an open mind towards patients who might seek out other type of treatment, either as an adjunct or an alternative, given the high prevalence of CAM users among dermatology patients.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Scabies, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, is a highly contagious condition with significant public health implications. Standard treatments for scabies can be expensive, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of 1% permethrin shampoo compared to the standard 5% permethrin lotion in treating scabies, assessing Total Lesion Count (TLC), Skin Infection Rating Scale (SIRS), clinical response, adverse events, and treatment acceptability.

This is an open-label, randomized clinical trial conducted in Barangay Malagutay, Zamboanga City, Philippines, involving 28 participants (14 per group). After dermatologic confirmation of diagnosis and a skin irritation test, participants were randomly assigned to receive either 5% permethrin lotion or 1% permethrin shampoo. Outcome measurements included Total Lesion Count (TLC) and SIRS, which evaluated erythema, crusting, purulence, itching, and pain. These were assessed on Days 0, 3, and 7. Clinical response, treatment acceptability, and adverse events were also monitored throughout the 7-day study period.

Results showed both treatments were effective with comparable outcomes on Day 3. Improvement in lesions, SIRS-erythema, crusting, purulence, pain, and itching was observed for both groups from Day 0 to Day 7. No significant difference was noted between the groups (p > 0.05) on Day 3. Both 1% and 5% permethrin treatments showed complete symptom resolution by Day 7, achieving 100% treatment success with 1% permethrin shampoo and 93% with the 5% permethrin lotion.

1% permethrin shampoo offers effective treatment for scabies, with comparable efficacy to 5% permethrin lotion.

BACKGROUND

Superficial mycoses are one of the most common skin conditions encountered in the outpatient clinics, causing significant morbidity amongst patients. Since these are highly prevalent diseases of the skin, the general practitioner should be able to manage uncomplicated cases, with no need for evaluation by a specialist.

The study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Filipino medical interns on the management of superficial cutaneous mycoses using a self-administered questionnaire. This may help identify possible gaps in knowledge, as well as obstacles these future clinicians may encounter when managing superficial mycoses. This in turn may assist in the development or improvement of dermatology training among medical students and continuing medical education programs amongst non-dermatologist physicians.

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study among medical interns of the Philippine General Hospital to investigate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the management of superficial mycoses. Eligible participants were asked to complete an online self-administered survey questionnaire which assessed their capacity to recognize and manage uncomplicated superficial mycoses, and determined their attitudes regarding dermatology training in medical school.

The study included 170 medical interns, with majority having only 1-4 weeks of cumulative duration of dermatology training in medical school. Many of the participants (67.1%) had inadequate overall knowledge scores, but this was not significantly associated with their cumulative duration of dermatology training, as well as with their frequency of encounters with superficial mycosis patients. Most deem dermatology training (92.4%) and learning about the management of superficial mycoses (91.2%) during medical school very important. Majority are interested in attending more courses or training in the subject. Recommendations to improve medical school training on superficial mycoses include more practical approach in dermatology modules, integration of dermatology electives in medical school, and longer duration of dermatology modules/rotations during medical school.

While knowledge scores of medical interns were not significantly associated with the duration of their dermatology training during medical school as well as their encounters with patients with superficial mycoses, it is shown that they have low confidence scores regarding management of superficial mycoses. They deem that learning more about this disease and dermatology in general is vital to their medical education and are desirous of more training in this subject. Recommendations to improve medical school training on superficial mycoses include dermatology modules, rotations or electives in medical school. Additionally, better training during medical school, and formulation of clinical practice guidelines specific to cutaneous mycoses were recommended to improve healthcare delivery for patients with such diseases.

BACKGROUND

A “rejuvenating set” is composed of different skin products. A dilemma is that these are readily available despite containing active ingredients subject to regulation. There are several reports of side effects from use of these products.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices on Rejuvenating sets among patients.

This is a descriptive and observational study. Respondents answered a questionnaire covering the patient’s age, sex, educational attainment, occupation, monthly income, marital status, consumer behavior and preference in selection, side effects, habits, and practices of rejuvenating set use.

A total of 108 participated in this study. Majority belong to the age of 18-25 years old (42.9%), are female (65.7%), single (76.9%), and unemployed (73.3%). Sunscreen was the most common product used (51.4%). Advertisements in television was the most common factor considered during purchase (28.6%) and most were purchased at drugstores (30.5%). Majority of participants used rejuvenating sets daily (40%) for 1-3 months (32.4%). Most were unaware of the possible adverse effects (56.2%) and did not consult a physician prior to use (84.9%). There was a lack in knowledge on the composition of rejuvenating sets in terms of regulated ingredients (55.2%). A few reported signs and symptoms such as redness (33.3%), dryness (28.6%), and stinging (24.8%) after use.

This study serves as a tool to increase discourse on rejuvenating sets. With the rise in popularity and availability and lack of studies on the side effects, it is imperative that further similar studies be made.

Introduction: The trend of self-medication practices is increasing worldwide especially in developing countries like the Philippines. If inappro- priately practiced, this can lead to deleterious eff ects. Despite this, literature available in this area are limited. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors that contribute to self-medication practices among dermatology patients in the out-patient clinic of a tertiary government hospital. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to April 2021 in an out-patient dermatology clinic of Rizal Med- ical Center using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics while univariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine possible factors associated with self-medication. Results: The practice of self-medication was prevalent in 88.70% of the participants. The most common facilitators for self-medication were recommendation by family or friends (49%) and having a previous prescription (39%). The most common medicines utilized were topical steroids (18%), combination topical medication (16%), and anti-acne preparations (10%). On univariate analysis, the likelihood of self-medication was almost four-fold among those with a monthly income of less than PHP 9,000 compared to those who had a higher monthly income. Conclusion There is a high prevalence of self-medication among patients with dermatologic conditions. Patients with low monthly income were almost four times more likely to self-medicate.
Self Care ; Dermatology

INTRODUCTION: Telemedicine is the practice of remote consultations that utilize computer-mediated communication. Given the visual nature of dermatology, it is most well-suited to adopt telecommunication practices. This enables remote medical care during public health emergencies like the current COVID-19 pandemic; limiting the risk of exposure for both patients and doctors alike.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the demographic and clinical profile of teledermatology patients from April to August 2020. Data were also compared with face-to-face consultations during the same period in 2019 in order to establish whether telemedicine can be a viable and reliable substitute to face-to-face consultations during a pandemic.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed chart data during a 5-month period in 2020; wherein the number of online consultations were observed to be the highest. We noted demographic and clinical features and compared some of these data to those obtained in the same period in 2019.

RESULTS: A total of 1,632 patients were seen via teledermatology in 2020 versus 7,219 face-to-face patients in 2019. Mean age for both groups were 26.59 and 36.89 respectively. Most patients in both years were from Davao. However, there was an increase in consults from other regions in 2020. Overall, the majority of cases for both periods were non-urgent inflammatory conditions.

CONCLUSION: This study showed that providing remote dermatologic care is now possible with the advent of technology even during a pandemic. Teledermatology may serve as an effective adjunct to traditional consultations.

KEYWORDS: telemedicine, dermatology, COVID-19, pandemic

COVID-19 ; Dermatology ; Humans ; Inpatients ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Singapore

Background: Oral lichen planus is an idiopathic autoimmune inflammatory condition and oral lichenoid reactions are lesions that resemble oral lichen planus clinically and histopathologically, but develop secondary to various underlying causes. Oral lichenoid reactions have been reported to be caused by contact allergy to dental materials. This study aims to describe the characteristics of patients with a clinical and/or histopathological diagnosis of oral lichen planus who underwent patch testing in Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: This is a 5-year retrospective study of patients who had oral lichen planus and had undergone patch testing at the Department of Dermatology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between January 2015 and Cecember 2019. Patch tests were performed with European Baseline Series and relevant extended series, which include dental and metal series as well as patients’ own products. Patch test results were recorded according to the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group recommendation. Results: There were 41 patients with oral lichen planus who underwent patch test. The median age was 56 (range 21 to 73) with 70.7% of patients being female. There were 29 (70.7%) patients who developed at least one positive reaction. The most frequent sensitizing allergens were nickel sulfate (34.1%), gold(I)sodium thiosulphate dihydrate (22.0%), fragrance mix I (19.5%), cobalt chloride (14.6%), Peru balsam (12.2%) and sodium tetrachloropalladate (II) hydrate (12.2%). Current relevance was recorded in 16 patients (39.0%) and of these patients, 12 of them had positive patch test reactions to allergens found in dental materials such as dental fillings, dental implants, orthodontic braces, dentures and dental crowns. Conclusion Contact sensitization was detected in about 70% of our patients with oral lichen planus. The most common sensitizing allergen was nickel sulfate. Current relevance was found mainly towards dental materials.
Lichen Planus, Oral--diagnosis ; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact ; Department of Dermatology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

Background: Although Dermatology is primarily a non-acute, outpatient-centered clinical specialty, some of them require in-patient care for intensive skin management. We aim to describe the demographic data, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of Dermatology inpatients in Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). Methods: This is a retrospective study on all dermatology inpatients in HKL between 2016 and 2020. Data was obtained from admission records and further analyzed. Results: A total of 1567 patients were admitted to the Dermatology ward between 2016 and 2020 accounted for 2292 admissions. The mean age was 45 years (range 8-93). The male to female ratio was 1.16:1. The majority were Malaysian (99.2%). Most Malaysian were Malays (60%) followed by Chinese (19.3%) and Indian (17.1%). About 91% of the admissions were arranged from the dermatology clinic. The mean length of stay was 5.06 days (range 0-63). About 20% of the patients required multiple admissions. The main dermatological diagnosis requiring inpatient care were non-infective dermatoses (60.4%) which included eczematous dermatoses, autoimmune dermatoses, psoriasis, cutaneous adverse drug reactions, inflammatory and non-inflammatory dermatoses. This was followed by cutaneous infections (24.5%) and drug allergy testing & drug provocation tests (7.9%). About 3% of patients were transferred to other departments for further intensive management, and the rest were discharged home well. No mortality occurred in the Dermatology ward. Conclusion The Dermatology ward HKL managed 2292 admissions between 2016 and 2020. The three main dermatological diagnoses requiring intensive skin management were eczematous conditions, cutaneous infections, and autoimmune dermatoses.
Dermatology ; Inpatients ; Hospital Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)