Praktické lekárnictvo 1/2022

Role of the community pharmacist in treating particular skin diseases

The skin is a large organ of the body, often being exposed to a variety of external and internal factors, and can be easily damaged. Skin damage develops skin diseases. The aim of the research was to collect data on the most common skin diseases resulting in going to the pharmacy by patients, and to find out the role of the community pharmacist in treating such diseases. A research method which was used to achieve the aim was a survey questionnaire. The survey was carried out within 3 months (from August to September 2018). The questionnaire in print form was available at a dermatology office in the town of Nove Zamky, and online on a social network. In total, 221 respondents filled out the questionnaire (163 females and 58 males). The majority of the respondents participated in the survey was aged from 18 to 24 (45%), with the dominance of females. The age of respondents was also associated with mostly chosen skin disease tick box - acne - which 29% of the respondents suffered from. The second was dermatitis (24%) and the third eczema (12%). In terms of pharmacy care, 86% of our respondents said they trust the advice of the pharmacist. We also found out that around two thirds of our respondents (68%) preferably go to the doctor with their skin problems and around one third (32%) preferably consult their state of health in pharmacies. The role of the community pharmacist in treating patients with skin diseases properly is not only to choose the appropriate therapy, but also to establish cooperation with the patient based on trust and empathy.

Keywords: skin, skin diseases, community pharmacist, pharmacy care