An Investigation into the Frequency of Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine in Patients Presenting to the Dermatology Clinic: A Survey Study

INTRODUCTION: Although interest in traditional and complementary medicine(TCM) methods has grown, patients are still reluctant to inform physicians that they employ these. Reasons for the increase in the frequency of TCM methods include interventional procedures being performed less or not at all, and the perception that topical treatment is harmless. The great majority of people who use TCM methods acquire the relevant information from the internet and those around them. Physicians therefore need to be aware of such trends and to protect patients against incorrect use by informing them accordingly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of the use of TCM methods among patients presenting to the dermatology clinic.
METHODS: Patients presenting to the dermatology clinic between June 2018-April 2019, aged over 15,and with symptoms persisting for longer than six weeks, was included in the study. Disoriented or uncooperative patients were excluded. Patients agreeing to participate read and signed informed consent forms, after which a question and answer type questionnaire was administered to collect data about TCM applications.
RESULTS: Six hundred fifty-one patients, 56.9% of whom were women, took part, and 13.3% had used TCM. Herbal remedies were the most frequently employed method at 67.8%, followed by cupping at 16%, leeches at 13.7%, and moxibustion at 2.2%. Frequency of use was 48.2% among women and 51.8% among men, while in terms of age the frequency was highest in the 45-55 age range, and in terms of education use was highest among university graduates.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Patients attending for examination should be given information to protect against misuse of TCM methods by inquiring into their attitudes toward them, especially those failing to benefit from the treatment administered or with recurring symptoms. Physicians must be aware of such tendencies on the part of patients and must inform patients about these methods when necessary.