Hossein Alinia1, Lucy Lan1, Sandy Kuo1, Karen E Huang1, Sarah L Taylor1, Steven R Feldman2. 1. Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; 2. Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; ; Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; ; Department of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rosacea patients commonly employ nonprescription therapies. The authors' aim was to understand rosacea patients' perceptions of over-the-counter products, complementary and alternative medicine, and homeopathic therapies. METHOD: A public, online discussion forum comprising 3,350 members and 27,051 posts provided a source of 346 posts on patient perceptions on alternative rosacea treatments. RESULTS: Three major themes of nonprescription treatment were identified-motivation for use, patient-provider discussions, and experience with these treatments. Perceived medication failure, barriers to treatment, and distrust of physicians drive patients to seek nonprescription therapies. Still, patients prefer to consult a physician on incorporating nonprescription therapies into treatment. Complementary and alternative medicine natural products (19.4% of posts), complementary and alternative medicine practices (16.5%), and homeopathic medicine (3.8%) were commonly discussed. CONCLUSION: Physicians have an opportunity to be a trusted source of information on the strengths and weaknesses of skin care products and other complementary treatments for rosacea.
BACKGROUND:Rosaceapatients commonly employ nonprescription therapies. The authors' aim was to understand rosaceapatients' perceptions of over-the-counter products, complementary and alternative medicine, and homeopathic therapies. METHOD: A public, online discussion forum comprising 3,350 members and 27,051 posts provided a source of 346 posts on patient perceptions on alternative rosacea treatments. RESULTS: Three major themes of nonprescription treatment were identified-motivation for use, patient-provider discussions, and experience with these treatments. Perceived medication failure, barriers to treatment, and distrust of physicians drive patients to seek nonprescription therapies. Still, patients prefer to consult a physician on incorporating nonprescription therapies into treatment. Complementary and alternative medicine natural products (19.4% of posts), complementary and alternative medicine practices (16.5%), and homeopathic medicine (3.8%) were commonly discussed. CONCLUSION: Physicians have an opportunity to be a trusted source of information on the strengths and weaknesses of skin care products and other complementary treatments for rosacea.
Authors: D Rigopoulos; D Kalogeromitros; S Gregoriou; J M Pacouret; C Koch; N Fisher; K Bachmann; M Brown; E Schwarz; E Camel; A Katsambas Journal: J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol Date: 2005-09 Impact factor: 6.166