Dermocosmetics for Use in Rosacea: Guideline of the Society for Dermopharmacy.

Rosacea is a widespread inflammatory skin disease that is chronically recurrent and affects predominately the central parts of the face. Affected individuals typically react to numerous cosmetics with redness, burning, and/or worsening of the complexion. Consequently, there is a high demand for dermocosmetics that do not provoke such reactions and are suitable for use in rosacea. The present guideline of the Society for Dermopharmacy describes the requirements that dermocosmetics for use in rosacea should meet. They include, inter alia, methods to prove the efficacy of and tolerance to these cosmetics, as well as the product documentation that the manufacturer or the distributing company should make available to professionals, like dermatologists and pharmacists, counseling patients with rosacea.

Commentary on the "Evidence- and Consensus-Based (S3) Guidelines for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis" Published by the International League of Dermatological Societies in Cooperation with the European Dermatology Forum.

In 2015, the International League of Dermatological Societies and the European Dermatology Forum published a guideline for the treatment of actinic keratosis, which is classified as an evidence- and consensus-based S3 guideline. From the point of view of the GD Task Force "Licht.Hautkrebs.Prävention," an interdisciplinary expert panel of the Society for Dermopharmacy for the prevention and treatment of skin cancer, this guideline reveals strengths and weaknesses but, in summary, does not meet the claim for an evidence- and consensus-based S3 guideline.

Drug supply for psoriasis - results from a national pharmacy network.

BACKGROUND: In Germany, drugs are to a large extent provided by pharmacies. Thus, investigations in pharmacies permit drug usage studies both on patients receiving prescribable drugs and using self-medication. The current study evaluated the quality of medical care, disease burden and spectrum of treatments for patients with psoriasis in a nationwide network of pharmacies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in 61 pharmacies. Patients with psoriasis vulgaris who came to the pharmacy to obtain antipsoriatic drugs or basic ointments were consecutively recruited, interviewed and asked to complete a standardized questionnaire. The questionnaire focused on socio-demographic characteristics and prior therapies for psoriasis. Furthermore, data on the patient's treatment satisfaction, disease-related burden, and treatment adherence were evaluated. In addition, the proportion and significance of health care providers for psoriasis as well as the number of patients using self-medication were assessed. RESULTS: The data on 241 patients show a high and long-lasting disease-related burden. A high utilization of resources was found. Dermatologists were the most frequently consulted providers (reported by 77.1 % of patients), followed by general practitioners (10.4 %). 3.5 % of patients were using self-medication. Self-reported adherence with treatment was moderate (71.6 %). Patient satisfaction varied considerably and demonstrated the need for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Psoriasis is a socio-economically relevant disease. Health care is provided primarily by dermatologists. Surveying patients in a national network of pharmacies is a unique and effective way of collecting relevant "real world" data. Selection biases related to the health care setting are minimized.

Quality of medical care of patients with acne vulgaris in Germany--nationwide survey of pharmacy clients.

BACKGROUND: No empirical "real world" data on the health care of patients with acne vulgaris in Germany currently exist. The objective of this study was to get an informative basis of health care of patients with acne vulgaris in Germany, taking into account both doctor-prescribed medication and self-medication. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Surveying both medically and self-treated patients, n = 504 patients with acne vulgaris were interviewed in 48 pharmacies nationwide. In addition to socio-demographic data, the duration of illness, localization and therapy as well as patient-relevant outcomes such as patient benefit, psychological strain and markers of compliance were evaluated. The participation and significance of individual treatment providers were also evaluated. RESULTS: A large percentage of the patients found acne vulgaris to be burdensome. Despite the longstanding necessity of treatment and the chronic course of the illness, the treatment of acne vulgaris was deemed a rather satisfactory experience by most of those affected. Dermatologists were most frequently consulted for treatment. A great number of medicinal products were further acquired through self-medication or after consulting with a pharmacist. The medically regulated therapies predominantly complied with the latest guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Acne vulgaris is a burdensome, socio-economically relevant illness, and dermatologists treat most cases in Germany. Surveying across a network of pharmacies offers a unique access to relevant treatment data. Selection effects, particularly by choice of doctors and self-medication, were minimized.