[Health care of chronic inflammatory skin diseases : Do affected individuals seek dermatological care?]

backgroundPsoriasis, atopic eczema and urticaria are chronic inflammatory skin diseases that are often associated with an impairment of affected individuals and their families. Despite constant progress in therapy of these diseases, affected people often do not consult an office-based dermatologist.

objectivesThe aim of this study was to estimate which proportion of affected individuals with severe forms of these diseases receive treatment by an office-based dermatologist in Bavaria. MATERIALS AND

methodsAll dermatologists listed in the database of the Bavarian Association of Panel Doctors (KVB; Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Bayern; n = 499) were invited to participate in a paper-based cross-sectional study. The stated number of patients by each dermatologist were set in relation with the literature-based 1‑year prevalence, as well as data on population and data of the KVB. Estimations were based on three approaches (conservative, medium, and progressive estimation method).

resultsOverall, 137 dermatologists participated (38.7% women; mean age: 53.2 ± 8.5 years). Conservative estimation indicated that 56.5% of individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis, 57.3% of individuals with moderate to severe atopic eczema and 71.9% of those suffering from chronic spontaneous urticaria are not seen by an office-based dermatologist.

conclusionMany affected individuals seem not to seek an office-based dermatologist when affected by a severe skin condition. Thus, further and more precise studies to identify, address and minimize barriers to optimal patient care are needed.