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Complementary and alternative medicine use among patients with psoriasis
Katerina Damevska1, Lence Neloska, Suzana Nikolovska
1University Clinic of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia.
Dermatologic Therapy
|June 26, 2014
Summary
Nearly half of psoriasis patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including supplements and diets. Many patients do not inform their doctors about these treatments, which may pose risks.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Limited data exists on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in psoriasis management.
- Growing patient interest in CAM necessitates understanding its prevalence and patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utilization patterns of CAM therapies among patients with psoriasis.
- To identify the types and frequency of CAM treatments employed by psoriasis patients.
Main Methods:
- A face-to-face interview methodology was employed.
- 122 patients diagnosed with psoriasis were surveyed.
- Data collected included all unconventional treatments used in the preceding 12 months.
Main Results:
- 46.7% of patients reported using at least one CAM method in the past year.
- Common CAM uses included topical treatments (41 types), dietary supplements (15.5%), and diets (3 patients).
- A significant proportion of patients (5.7%) used nonconventional systemic medications.
Conclusions:
- CAM is frequently used by psoriasis patients, often without clinician awareness.
- The potential benefits and risks of CAM require careful consideration.
- Encouraging patients to disclose all treatments is crucial for safe and effective psoriasis care.
