ABSTRACT
Purpose: The utilization rate of complementary and alternative medication (CAM) is on the rise, especially for the general population. Despite the lack of scientific support, CAM has been used for decades and is more often used among chronic patients. This research examines the prevalence of CAM use in dermatology patients in the area of Aseer, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This research was done using a descriptive hospital-based cross-sectional survey among adults who attended the dermatological clinics at the major hospitals in the Aseer area of Southern Saudi Arabia. The dermatology outpatients were approached individually and were asked to fill out a survey about their usage of CAM therapies in the preceding year. The questionnaire included questions on patients' socio-demographic data and clinical data on their dermatological condition, including duration and the effect on their daily life. The occurrence and pattern of CAM use and the type of CAM utilized were also examined. Results: 353 dermatological patients filled out the study questionnaire. Patients varied in age from 18 to above 60 years, with an average of 26.1 ± 12.9 years. 203 (57.5%) patients were females. 120 (34%) of the study patients reported using folk medicine with doctor medication for their dermatological disorder, 84 (23.8%) used folk medicine and stopped using medications prescribed by a doctor, while 149 (42.2%) never used folk medicine. The most used CAM was olive oil (22%), followed by sidr (21%), honey (19%), cactus (15%), henna (14%), and garlic (13%). Conclusion: More than half of the participants in this study used CAM, with nearly 1 out of 5 patients not using the medications prescribed by their physicians. Females with long-lasting diseases were the main users who reported using a variety of CAMs. Satisfactory results were experienced by nearly half of the patients.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Skin cancer has become one of the world's leading health problems, and incidence rates are on the rise. The leading causes of skin cancer are sun exposure, family history and sunburn, and the most agreed-upon preventative behaviors are sunscreen application and sun avoidance. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the knowledge of the causes of skin cancer and awareness of preventative measures in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 529 participants in a WhatsApp group over 3 months. Consenting participants completed a validated, 18-item questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 529 total participants, nearly 55% of participants reported an awareness of skin cancer, 35% understood its metastasis and 55.1% knew about its spread. However, 44% of participants were unaware of the different types of the disease. Social media was reported to be the most common source of information. The majority of participants were able to identify symptoms of skin cancer and had knowledge of risk factors. Most participants understood proper preventative measures, and reported that they use sunscreen regularly. CONCLUSIONS: The general knowledge of skin cancer in Saudi Arabia is not high but is increasing. However, sun-protective behaviors are lacking, despite the population's knowledge of the benefits. Awareness campaigns and incentive programs may encourage better preventative behavior. Future studies should explore participants' awareness of more specific aspects of skin cancer using a more diverse and extensive population sample.
ABSTRACT
Acquired acral fibrokeratoma (AAF) is a rare benign fibrous tumor. Its size is usually small (i.e., <0.5 cm). However, few cases with giant lesions (i.e., >1 cm) have been reported. A 17-year-old Saudi male presented to the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of Aseer Central Hospital, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, with a painless rounded skin-colored exophytic nodule arising from the dorsal surface of the right middle toe, 1.7 cm in diameter. The tumor was surgically excised. Histopathology examination revealed a giant polyploid lesion, composed of massive hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, a core of thick collagen bundles and vertically oriented small dermal blood vessels. The diagnosis was giant AAF. There was no evidence of recurrence after surgical excision. AAF is a rare benign skin tumor which should be differentiated from other similar skin lesions. Surgical excision is the first line for treatment.
