L A Mellen1, J Vallee, S R Feldman, A B Fleischer. 1. Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27175, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pityriasis versicolor is a common chronic superficial fungal infection of the skin. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of visits for pityriasis versicolor and to assess how it is currently being treated. METHODS: Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care survey were used from the years 1990-1999. RESULTS: There were 2.9 million visits per year in which pityriasis (tinea) versicolor was listed as a diagnosis; this corresponds to a visit rate of 110 visits per 100,000 persons per year. Visit rates varied among racial and ethnic groups, with the highest visit rates for black people and American Indians/Eskimos. A total of 76% of the medications listed at visits for pityriasis versicolor are FDA approved for the condition; however, many treatments that were prescribed were not. CONCLUSIONS: Given that as many as one-quarter of treatments prescribed for this easily treatable condition are inappropriate, continued education of medical practitioners concerning appropriate treatment options is needed.
BACKGROUND:Pityriasis versicolor is a common chronic superficial fungal infection of the skin. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of visits for pityriasis versicolor and to assess how it is currently being treated. METHODS: Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care survey were used from the years 1990-1999. RESULTS: There were 2.9 million visits per year in which pityriasis (tinea) versicolor was listed as a diagnosis; this corresponds to a visit rate of 110 visits per 100,000 persons per year. Visit rates varied among racial and ethnic groups, with the highest visit rates for black people and American Indians/Eskimos. A total of 76% of the medications listed at visits for pityriasis versicolor are FDA approved for the condition; however, many treatments that were prescribed were not. CONCLUSIONS: Given that as many as one-quarter of treatments prescribed for this easily treatable condition are inappropriate, continued education of medical practitioners concerning appropriate treatment options is needed.
Authors: Shaimaa El-Housiny; Maii Atef Shams Eldeen; Yasmina Ahmed El-Attar; Hoda A Salem; Dalia Attia; Ehab R Bendas; Mohamed A El-Nabarawi Journal: Drug Deliv Date: 2018-11 Impact factor: 6.419