A considerable proportion of GPs workload is dermatological. It is important to investigate what common skin conditions encountered in primary care can be self-managed, in an effort to alleviate the burden on primary care.

The purpose of a new study published in The British Journal of General Practice was to identify the proportion of consultations that are dermatological in nature and to analyze potential for self-management by patients.

Here, data was collected using the patient electronic record system (EMIS) in general practice. A search was made for all consultations from the 17 April to 15 May 2019—including all new presenting complaints that were dermatological in nature. The criteria for self-management included advising over the counter (OTC) medication or reassurance. On the other hand, a case was deemed not self-manageable if prescription only medication (POM) was prescribed or if a referral to dermatology was made.

The results showed that out of the 2175 consultations, 246 (11.31%) cases were dermatological. Of the dermatological cases, 32.5% could be self-managed. While there were 46 different dermatological presenting complaints, of which the five most common included – rash (51 cases), dermatitis (44 cases), acne vulgaris (13 cases), moles (12 cases) and dry skin (11 cases). However, none of the acne or moles cases could be self-managed. While23%, 68.2% and 72.7% of rashes, dermatitis and dry skin cases, respectively, could be self-managed.

It was inferred that certain dermatological conditions have more potential for self-management than others. The findings suggested that research into teledermatology as a means of addressing patient concern and providing clinical information is important in order to reduce unnecessary consultations.

Source: The British Journal of General Practice. 2020 Jun;70 (suppl 1):bjgp20X711053.doi: 10.3399/bjgp20X711053.