Abstract
SUMMARY
Background: In western societies acne vulgaris is a nearly universal skin disease affecting 79% to 95 % of the adolescent population. In men and women older than 25 years, 40 % to 54% have some degree of facial acne. Several studies show that even if we have a lot of knowledge today about the pathogenesis and treatment of acne, there is a great need to increase the knowledge in the general population. The general practitioner in Norway is often the one that treats the acne patient. Our aim in this study was to find out how the Norwegian G.Ps treat acne and how they relate to the treatment. In addition we wanted to investigate if we could find a relationship between the G.Ps geographical location, age, sex, experience and their treatment.
Design: Survey study with a three page questionnaire distributed by mail
Population: 400 Norwegian general practitioners, stratified on counties received the questionnaires. 208 ( 52 % ) were answered.
Results/Conclution: Most G.Ps manage the treatment of acne. A great number keep themselves updated (yes 35,6 % , partially 60,6 % ) The most commonly used topical treatment is Dalacin followed by Skinoren. Tetracyklin is chosen by 88,5% as systemic treatment. Only 9,1 % reported fear of the development of resistance when using tetracyclin for more than 3 months. This number shows that even if we see a rapid increase today in resistant strain of P. acnes, there is only a small number of G.Ps that take this threat in to consideration. 65% refer the patient to a dermatologist independent of the degree of acne if the patient wants this him/herself. Using a chi-square test with p<0.05 there is relationship between the referral and the G.Ps geografical location.