Self-Medication for Dermatologic Diseases among Children Treated at the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center
Treesirichod, A.; Chaithirayanon, S.; Chansakulporn, S.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 98(Suppl 9): S135-S139
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 26817222 Document Number: 16859
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 obtained from pharmacies (66.2%). The average cost for self-medications was 204.7 Thai baht. Products applied by the topical route were the most common medications used (81.3%) and most patients had reported dissatisfaction with the results (95.1%). Adverse reactions resulting from self-medications were found to be at a rate of 17.1%. There were no significant relationships (p > 0.05) between the practice of self-medication and the potential factors. Self-medication use is most prevalent. Most patients had reported dissatisfaction from the use of self-medications. Adverse reactions resulting from self-medication were also found.