A Review of Women's Common Skin Conditions and Therapies

Casper KA, Mehta BH

A recent article suggests that pharmacists can offer greater benefits to female patients by becoming more familiar with their skin conditions. In an effort to create an overview of common skin conditions and therapies among women, the piece pulls information from MEDLINE and pharmacology and dermatology textbooks. A brief synopsis and illustration of basic skin anatomy and physiology helps define the terms and methods of action used throughout the article. Skin conditions are divided into hormonally influenced conditions and environmentally influenced conditions. Hormonally influenced conditions, sometimes also driven by age, include acne (which accounts for more physician visits than any other dermatologic disorder) and pregnancy-related skin conditions. Environmentally influenced conditions include contact dermatitis, dry skin, sun-related skin damage (including actinic keratosis, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, and melanoma). The article contains a chart listing common skin lesions and a brief description to help identify skin conditions. An additional chart lists common therapeutic options for acne, including their mechanisms of action and adverse effects. Pharmacists who are familiar with the symptoms and treatments of common skin disorders among women at different stages of life can make the appropriate assessment based on the skin's appearance and the patient's account of the condition. This allows the pharmacist to make the appropriate product recommendations or referrals for patients. J Am Pharm Assoc 2002;42:206-16 Return to Top