Complementary and alternative medicines: use in skin diseases

Abstract

There is a plethora of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) used by sufferers of skin diseases. For the most part, the use of these therapies is based on anecdotal evidence or on traditional patterns of use. Relatively little empirical evidence exists for the use of CAM therapies in skin diseases. Those studies that have examined CAM skin disease therapies have often been flawed methodologically. A small number of CAM therapies have been accepted or are on the cusp of acceptance in dermatological practice. Even here, the evidence for CAM use is often limited or equivocal. Equally, issues of poorly documented adverse effect profiles, quality control of preparations and product adulteration and contamination hamper the integration of CAM therapies into orthodox dermatology practice. Thus, it may be more appropriate to consider 'pluralism' rather than 'integration' in the relationship of CAM and conventional medicine.

Community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude and practices towards the use of complementary and alternative medicines in Durban, South Africa

“…It is evident that CAMs are used by a large part of the population. When they are used together with conventional medicine (Magin & Adams 2007;Noiesen et al 2007), it may be difficult to ascertain therapeutic benefits from either type of medicine and identify adverse effects and drug interactions. The combination of CAM with conventional medicines can affect the overall clinical outcome as this often leads to non-compliance with prescribed therapy.…”

An Insight Into the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicines Among Patients With Atopic Eczema in Central Durban, South Africa

“…A systematic review (SR) of epidemiological studies, revealed an increasing prevalence in Africa with approximate doubling of lifetime prevalence in South Africa (SA) (Deckers et al, 2012). Numerous studies have demonstrated the increased use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) amongst dermatological patients (Baron et al, 2005;Buchar et al, 2012;Eisenberg et al, 1998;Magin & Adams, 2007). Atopic eczema was reported to be the most frequent dermatological condition where CAM was sought (Baron et al, 2005;Bielory & Lupoli, 1999;Ernst, 2000).…”