Use of complementary medicine among outpatients with dermatologic conditions within Yorkshire and South Wales, United Kingdom

Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing throughout the Western world, particularly by patients with chronic disease. In 1999, 20% of the United Kingdom population reported that they had used CAM in the preceding 12 months. Objectives: We sought to investigate the use of CAM by outpatients with general dermatologic conditions in 3 United Kingdom cities: Leeds (North England), and Cardiff and Swansea (South Wales). Methods: Independently constructed, anonymous, self-directed questionnaires were designed and distributed to 400 consecutive Outpatients with dermatologic conditions in Leeds and 637 consecutive outpatients with dermatologic conditions in Cardiff and Swansea. Results. In Leeds 302/400 questionnaires were fully completed with 39% patients having used CAM. In South Wales 415/637 questionnaires were fully completed with 34% having used CAM. Of these, 45% of patients in Leeds and 50% of patients in South Wales were using CAM to treat their dermatologic condition. The most popular treatments in Leeds, Cardiff, and Swansea were herbal medicine and homeopathy. Limitations: These results were obtained from Outpatients with dermatolgic conditions in the United Kingdom and may not be applicable to other populations. Conclusions: More than one third Of outpatients with general dermatologic conditions in two geographically distant regions are using CAM. More dian 45% of these patients used CAM to treat their dermatologic condition.