Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Acne in Patients in Busan: Results of a Survey

Moon, Seung Hyun; Kwon, Tae Gwang; Lee, Sook Kyung

Abstract

BACKGROUND
There is growing interest in the role of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in treating patients with acne owing to an inadequate treatment response or adverse effects associated with use of conventional modalities to treat this skin condition. However, there is no literature available or reports of studies performed in Korea describing use of CAM in treatment of acne.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the usage and awareness regarding the role of CAM in the treatment of acne, among acne patients.
METHODS
A questionnaire was used to interview 159 patients with acne regarding their use of CAM for the treatment of acne. This survey was conducted in 1 tertiary medical center, 1 general hospital, and 2 dermatology clinics.
RESULTS
We found that 139 of 159 (87.4%) acne patients reported previous or current use of CAM. Among the 139 CAM users, acne-related cosmetics (71.2%) was the most frequently used category of products, followed by dietary therapy (58.3%), cleansing techniques, and a bath regimen (55.4%). Reportedly, the "˜Internet' (62.6%) was the most common medium used as a source of information regarding use of CAM. The most common reason for using CAM was reported as the "˜desire to try everything' (40.3%). Adverse effects related to the use of CAM were reported in 27 (19.4%) patients. The most common type of adverse effect reported was "˜aggravation of acne'. A majority of patients were not favorable for subjective therapeutic effect and satisfaction with CAM (60.0% and 84.2%, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Our results indicate that a majority of acne patients use CAM with or without conventional treatment. Nonetheless, there is no study or evidence to prove the effectiveness of CAM in acne patients. Therefore, it is important for dermatologists to be aware of the risks and adverse effects associated with use of CAM for effective management of patients who consult them for treatment of acne.