A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE PRESCRIBING PATTERN OF DRUGS IN COMMON SKIN DISEASES AND THE EFFECT OF PATIENT COUNSELLING ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE DERMATOLOGY OPD OF A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Nithin Monohar* M.Pharm (Phd), Jasmin Jomon, Ponnu Sarah Joseph, Devikr and Shary Ramesh

ABSTRACT

Skin disease refers to disorders exclusively of the superficial layers of the skin. Skin diseases have a serious impact on people’s quality of life. Occasionally skin diseases can be a manifestation of systemic diseases. The aim of our study is to assess the prescribing pattern of drugs in common skin diseases and to identify the impact of patientcounseling on quality of life. The data were collected and recorded in specially designed pro forma. The impact of patient counseling on quality of life was assessed using a Dermatology Life Quality Index(DLQI) questionnaire. Information was provided through patient information leaflet. A totalof 150patients with skin diseases were selected during the six months study period. Out of this, 87 patients were male and 63 patients were female. The most common skin disease was found to be psoriasis 61(40.7%) followed by tinea 39(26.0%), dermatitis 27(18.0%), acne 16(10.7%) and eczema 7(4.7%). The majority of patients were in the age group of 20-60 years. The commonly prescribed drugs were antihistamines(40.7%) followed by antifungals (26.0%), antibiotics (18.0%) and others(10.7%). It was concluded that psoriasis was the highest presentation and antihistamines was the most commonly prescribed drugs. The quality of life in dermatology patients were improved after effective counseling.

Keywords: Skin disease refers patientcounseling counseling effective counseling.