PMID: 26817222Jan 29, 2016Paper

Self-Medication for Dermatologic Diseases among Children Treated at the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
Arucha TreesirichodSomboon Chansakulporn

Abstract

Skin diseases are one of the common problems in Pediatrics Outpatient Department. Because self-medication is practiced, it raises concerns of incorrect self-diagnosis, adverse drug reactions, and the cost of self-treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and the features of self-medicating for skin diseases among children who were observed at the dermatology clinic. This prospective study was conducted in the Pediatric Outpatient Department. All patients seen on a first visit for skin problems were recruited, interviewed, and examined. Four hundred thirty seven patients were recruited in the study and the mean age was 4.6 years of age. Eczema was the most common diagnosis (43.7%), followed by fungal skin infections (7.1%), insect bites and infestations (6.9%), and bacterial skin infections (6.2%). Of all the patients, 204 (46.7%) had used self-medication. The most common reasons for self-medicating were convenience (82.3%), a friend and/or relative's recommendation (15.2%), and avoiding the cost of doctors' visits (2.0%). The most frequently encountered categories of medicines were topical corticosteroids (25.4%), antifungal agents (13.4%), antibacterial agents (8.2%), and others. Most products were obt...Continue Reading

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