A survey on patient education about topical therapy for psoriasis vulgaris and an examination of the optimal patient education

Abstract

Topical therapy is the basic treatment for the patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Patient education about topical therapy should include the nature of the drug, the method of application, the amount of the drug, etc. However, there is no guidance on topical therapy in Japan. Moreover, we need to keep in mind that adherence to topical therapy is poorer than that to oral therapy. In this study, we examined the optimal patient education about topical therapy by conducting a web questionnaire survey of physicians and psoriasis patients to find out what physicians told patients about topical therapy for psoriasis vulgaris and the actual use of topical drugs by the patients. The survey results suggested that there were discrepancies between what physicians taught and how patients applied topical drugs. To maintain/improve adherence, topical therapy education needs to be provided repeatedly. In addition, it is important to practice by reaching out to individual patients, making sure that each patient's goal of long-term treatment for psoriasis is appropriate, and involving the patients in treatment selection.