Single application of a fluorescent test cream by healthy volunteers: assessment of treated and neglected body sites

Abstract

Qualified and motivated persons with no obvious physical limitations practised imperfect self-application of a test cream mimicking a therapeutic cream product. As much as 31% of the skin surface was neglected. Sites especially prone to nonapplication were identified. This might imply that dermatological patients on long-term self-treatment may practise local application very poorly, a problem of major therapeutic and economic importance. A fluorescent test cream can be used for research, and as an educational tool in the training of dermatological patients on how to apply local treatment.

One in 3 prescriptions are never redeemed: Primary nonadherence in an outpatient clinic

“…In addition, different studies have shown that patients who finally redeem their prescriptions for topical treatments seldom use it as intended. 7,13 This signifies that topical treatment can be an inferior option to patients because of poor adherence, both primary and secondary. We found that patients with chronic diseases such as psoriasis and eczema were less primary adherent than patients with short-term diseases such as infections and mycoses, even though all treatments were new to the patients.…”

Current issues in the management of actinic keratosis

“…77 An experiment in healthy, motivated volunteers found that the subjects had neglected to apply the fluorescent test cream to 31% of the designated target skin area. 78 These studies suggest that patients need better instruction in how to apply their topical treatments. This was reinforced in a recent report which found that only a minority of prescriptions for a topical medication were well written and provided clear instruction on how to use it.…”

A prospective study of patient adherence to topical treatments: 95% of patients underdose

“…Even for healthy volunteers, applying a fluorescent test cream evenly has been shown to be difficult. 5 Cosmetic elegance, spreadability, greasiness, and the appearance of the topical on the skin might also affect the use of these products. But improving adherence to topical treatments is important as it renders a better clinical outcome.…”