Dermatological emergencies: evolution from 2008 to 2014 and perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The dermatological department's emergency unit (DEU) has experienced significant growth in patient volume.
• This study audits the DEU's activity and its relationship with regional medical demographics.

Observation:

• DEU activity increased by 67% between 2008 and 2014, while general emergency unit (GEU) activity remained stable.
• Peak DEU activity occurred on Mondays and during summer months.
• Infectious dermatoses were the primary reason for consultation, with seasonal conditions more prevalent in summer.

Findings:

• Over 15% of DEU patients required a second outpatient consultation; only 1.2% were hospitalized.
• Less than 40% of patients sought consultation within the first week of symptom onset.
• Regional medical demographics, including general practitioners and dermatologists, have shown a continuous decline since 2007.

Implications:

• The rise in DEU activity parallels the decrease in available medical practitioners in the Paris region.
• Low hospitalization rates may be attributed to established networks for severe dermatoses.
• Enhanced coordination between hospital-based and private dermatologists is crucial for managing dermatologic emergencies amidst demographic shifts.