Research Article
Expert Perspectives on Acne, Melasma, Polymorphic Light Eruption, and Role of Sunscreens: A Nationwide Survey
Manjula Suresh*
,
Krishna Kumar Manjunath
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
102-110
Received:
23 July 2026
Accepted:
7 August 2026
Published:
24 August 2026
Abstract: Objective: To assess clinical practice patterns, treatment preferences, safety monitoring practices, and clinicians' perceptions of a botanical extract-based sunscreen formulation containing multiple plant-derived extracts, octinoxate, and titanium dioxide in the management of acne, melasma, and polymorphic light eruption (PLE) among dermatologists in India. Methods: A cross-sectional, nationwide, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among practicing dermatologists across India using a structured 22-item questionnaire. The survey evaluated clinical practice patterns in the management of acne, melasma, and PLE, including treatment preferences, photoprotection strategies, safety monitoring practices, and clinicians' perceptions of the extract-based sunscreen formulation containing multiple plant-derived extracts, octinoxate, and titanium dioxide. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 623 dermatologists participated in the survey. Oily skin was reported by 46% of respondents as the most common presenting complaint among patients with acne, while 50% indicated that acne was more frequently encountered in female patients. Clindamycin (45.75%) and benzoyl peroxide (44.30%) were the most commonly preferred first-line treatments for teenage acne. The majority (70.95%) reported occasionally encountering topical antibiotic resistance in acne vulgaris during routine practice. Malar melasma (48.64%) was identified as the most frequently encountered clinical subtype, and melasma was considered the most common cause of facial pigmentation by 67% of respondents. Approximately 64% of dermatologists reported regularly monitoring patients for treatment-related adverse effects and medication-associated complications. Based on the 5-point Global Improvement Scale, around 46% of respondents observed marked improvement in sun-induced hyperpigmentation, ultraviolet protection, PLE, and solar urticaria with the extract-based sunscreen formulation. Conclusion: This nationwide survey highlights clinical practice patterns in the management of acne, melasma, and PLE among Indian dermatologists. The extract-based sunscreen formulation is perceived to provide clinical benefits in photoprotection and the management of sun-induced dermatoses, supporting its use as an adjunctive sunscreen in routine dermatological practice.
Abstract: Objective: To assess clinical practice patterns, treatment preferences, safety monitoring practices, and clinicians' perceptions of a botanical extract-based sunscreen formulation containing multiple plant-derived extracts, octinoxate, and titanium dioxide in the management of acne, melasma, and polymorphic light eruption (PLE) among dermatologists...
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Research Article
Disease Spectrum Characteristics and Differences Between Internal Medicine and Surgery in 1285 Elderly Inpatients with Dermatological Consultation
Zou Xiaofang,
Lu Xiaojuan,
Wu Haotian*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
111-117
Received:
23 August 2026
Accepted:
2 September 2026
Published:
20 September 2026
Abstract: Objective to analyze the disease spectrum, demographic and departmental distribution characteristics of dermatological consultations among elderly inpatients, and compare the differences between internal medicine and surgical departments, so as to provide evidence for multidisciplinary management of cutaneous disorders in older adults and clinical teaching. Methods Clinical data of dermatological consultations for elderly inpatients aged ≥60 years at Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital from January to December 2024 were retrospectively collected. Patient age, gender, requesting department and consultation diagnosis were recorded. Diseases were classified uniformly, and comparisons were performed between the internal medicine system and surgical system. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 26.0. Results A total of 1,285 patients were enrolled with a male-to-female ratio of 1.38:1 and a mean age of (76.2 ± 9.3) years. Dermatitis and eczema ranked first (32.8%), followed by sexually transmitted diseases (12.9%) and viral dermatoses (8.7%). With advancing age, the proportions of dermatitis/eczema and pruritic dermatoses increased, while the proportion of drug eruptions decreased (all P < 0.05). No significant gender-based difference was observed in the disease spectrum (P > 0.05). The top 10 departments requesting consultations all belonged to the internal medicine system. The proportion of sexually transmitted diseases in surgical departments was significantly higher than that in internal medicine departments (21.2% vs 10.6%, P < 0.001). Dermatitis and eczema were more prevalent in internal medicine, whereas drug eruptions were more common in surgery (both P < 0.05). Conclusion Dermatoses encountered during dermatological consultations for elderly inpatients exhibit distinct age- and department-specific distribution patterns. Clinicians should strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration, prioritize the prevention and management of infectious and drug-related cutaneous diseases, standardize basic skin care for hospitalized older adults, and adjust the focus of dermatology residency training accordingly.
Abstract: Objective to analyze the disease spectrum, demographic and departmental distribution characteristics of dermatological consultations among elderly inpatients, and compare the differences between internal medicine and surgical departments, so as to provide evidence for multidisciplinary management of cutaneous disorders in older adults and clinical ...
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