Last Updated on February 16, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta
Dr Prakriti Malhotra, MBBS, MD (DVL), currently serves as the East Zone Coordinator for the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists, National Residents Committee 2023. With over four years of experience, Dr Malhotra presently works as a Senior Resident in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy at MGM Medical College and Hospital, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
Primarily working in the government healthcare sector, in my limited experience, these are some of the common mistakes I have encountered while the patient communicates with me about their skin condition:
- Not giving an adequate history of relevant co-morbidities and treatment they are taking for the same. Not only do they not remember their medications, but they also do not bring the previous prescriptions. They fail to mention all the medications they are currently on, including supplements and OTC drugs. As dermatologists, we see a lot of drug-induced skin conditions and we prescribe certain drugs that may interact with the drugs that the person might be taking for their blood pressure, diabetes mellitus etc. Hence, we must know what medications the patient is on and the temporal association of when the drug was taken and when the skin rash started.
- Not giving an adequate history of treatment taken in the past for the skin condition they are seeking consultation. For eg: Only on repeated and persistent probing, they’d accept putting potent steroid creams on the face which they bought from the chemist on their own, when they come with complaints of redness, thinning, itching, and hyperpigmentation of the facial skin.
- Attributing every problem to “ALLERGY”. On the other hand, some patients may provide incomplete information about exposure to potential allergens or irritants in their daily lives.
- Coming up with their internet diagnosis may create a bias in the patient when reporting symptoms.
- Seeking consultation for a skin condition after trying 10 different medications on their own, which changes the morphology of the lesion, making it difficult for a dermatologist to decode the primary diagnosis.
- Neglect to discuss the mental health factors as stress, anxiety and other emotional factors can contribute to certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, urticaria etc.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
To me, health literacy means the ability of a person to obtain, understand, and apply health-related information, thereby empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. The stakeholders of healthcare are plenty, right from the policymakers to the doctor, the paramedics, and the patient itself so it becomes important to ensure active participation of patients in their care. By empowering the patients with correct health-related information, the doctor-patient relationship is enhanced and is more fruitful and will lead to better health-related outcomes, increased preventive care, and enhanced self-management of chronic skin conditions. I regularly practice this in my day-to-day OPD where I take at least 10 minutes to explain to my patients their condition, the nature of their disease, treatment options, and the risk vs benefit ratio of each treatment option. In the long run, it makes my job easier. The trust that the patient bestows on us doctors is humongous and it’s therefore our responsibility to empower them with the ability to make correct informed decisions about their health and health conditions.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
As doctors, we naturally care about our patients’ well-being. When patients have a good understanding of their health conditions and treatment importance, it alleviates our concerns and theirs, reducing anxiety. In dermatology, where chronic conditions are common, informed patients are more likely to recognize early signs of worsening conditions, seek timely help, and adhere to treatment plans. This proactive approach leads to improved health outcomes and prevents complications.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Many people on social media claim to be skincare experts, spreading misinformation that could prompt the use of unsuitable products. This may lead to skin irritation or exacerbation of conditions, complicating treatment for dermatologists.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
Among the most prevalent myths and misinformation are: Firstly, the belief that fairness creams can lighten skin tone, often leading to misuse of products containing potent steroids and subsequent complications. It’s essential to prioritize healthy, clear skin over fair complexion, challenging societal perceptions. Secondly, certain chronic conditions require lifelong medication. Patients may discontinue treatment once their parameters normalize but only under the supervision of a specialist. Consulting specialists is crucial for appropriate management. Thirdly, it’s important to verify the credentials of healthcare specialists before seeking consultation. Lastly, patients prescribed topical steroid creams sometimes assume that increased application frequency or quantity hastens resolution, contrary to professional advice. Misusing topical steroids can have adverse effects, emphasizing the importance of following dermatologists’ instructions precisely.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
Do not trust everything on social media. Have some faith in your doctors, we have studied hard to serve you and we always want the best for you. And most importantly, always consult a specialist.
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