Adverse Reaction Reports for Skincare: Zero

Abstract Introduction Suspicions of Adverse Drug Reactions (sADRs) facilitate public health authorities in making decisions regarding the safety of various drugs in the market, thus it is important to be acquainted with these data in our population. Objectives To identify suspicions of adverse reactions due to skincare product use among adults in Veracruz, Mexico. Methods A cross-sectional, prospective, and descriptive study was conducted, including subjects over 18 years old residing in the metropolitan area of Veracruz, Mexico. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to identify suspicions of adverse reactions due to skincare product use and their notifications. Results 607 subjects participated, with a mean age of 24.61 (±9.85), comprising 78.25% females and 21.75% males. The prevalence of sADRs identified by patients was 37.2%; however, 44.3% reported experiencing skin redness, 42.7% reported burning sensation, and 31.6% noted changes in their skin becoming oilier. 70.20% claimed awareness of potential adverse effects of the products they use, and 37.2% reported experiencing some adverse reactions, with 76.6% indicating that adverse reactions noticed on their skin disappeared upon discontinuing the product. None of the participants notified sADRs upon identifying them. Conclusions Not all participants in this study recognize sADRs as adverse effects, indicating the possibility that patients may have experienced adverse reactions without being aware of them, as they may not relate the product to the reaction Key messages • The notification of sADRs is a regulated activity in Mexico, so we must promote its implementation at all levels, since they are fundamental for public health decisions. • We must carry out educational activities on skin care in order to prevent SADRs or so that the doctor provides care in a timely manner, since the patient does not recognize them.