The assessment of complementary and alternative medicine use in acne vulgaris patients in Turkey: A cross-sectional study

Because acne vulgaris has a chronic course, can cause cosmetic problems, and negatively affects the psychosocial functionality and quality of life of patients, patients with acne vulgaris can frequently resort to complementary medicine practices. This study aimed to examine the frequency of complementary medicine use in patients diagnosed with acne vulgaris, the methods they used, the reasons for practicing these methods, and the factors affecting these practices. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 400 (81.4%) of 491 patients aged ≥13 years who were diagnosed with acne vulgaris and treated at the dermatology outpatient clinic at Konya Numune Hospital between February and October 2020 were enrolled. A survey consisting of 37 questions was administered to patients in face-to-face interviews. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Faculty of Medicine Local Ethics Committee. The mean age of the patients was 20.0 ± 5.17, and 60% of the patients were women. It was stated by 87% of the patients that they used complementary medicine methods for the treatment of acne vulgaris. The first 3 methods used, in order of frequency, were topical herbal remedies at a rate of 61%, herbal medicines at 23.5%, and cupping/leeches at 2.5%. Complementary medicine use was significantly higher among the patients aged 19 to 25 and among the single patients. While practicing complementary medicine treatments, 33.5% also used the treatment given by their doctor simultaneously. It was determined that the physicians of 73.5% of the patients did not question their use of complementary medicine when prescribing treatment. In our study, it was determined that 87% of patients with acne vulgaris used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods, and the majority of these patients were young. These treatment methods may affect the treatments that their physicians will recommend. Therefore, to prevent ill-advised practices, patients should be informed about the CAM methods they use when planning their treatment. Considering the possible side effects of CAM practices, physicians need to be aware that acne vulgaris patients frequently use CAM methods and improve themselves in raising the desired awareness on this issue.