Title:Patient Care and Treatment Strategies for Skin Diseases in Sub-Saharan
Africa: Role of Traditional and Western Medicines
Volume: 23
Issue: 3
Author(s): Astha Sharma*, Sonali Sundaram, Rishabha Malviya*, Swati Verma, Neeraj Kumar Fuloria, Shivkanya Fuloria, Mahendran Sekar, Neelesh Mishra and Dhanalekshmi Unnikrishnan Meenakshi
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Gautam
Budha Nagar 201310, U.P., India
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Gautam
Budha Nagar 201310, U.P., India
Keywords:
Skin disease, sub-saharan Africa, western health care, traditional medicines, skincare, sub-saharan health care systems.
Abstract: The perspective of the people of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) toward both traditional and
western healthcare systems varies. The goal of the current study is to examine the SSA's unique skin
disease health care system. This study comprises numerous research that sought to examine how the
general public feels about the SSA's current healthcare system. In this review, common skin conditions,
such as atopic dermatitis, buruli ulcers, dermatophytosis, and scabies, are addressed. According
to this report, government agencies must pay particular attention to skin illnesses in SSA and raise
public awareness. Availability of medical care, socioeconomic factors, degree of education, and other
factors influence patients’ attitudes toward traditional and western health care differently in different
geographic areas. Facts suggest that self-medication is the preference of the majority of patients before
seeking dermatological care. The present study concludes that the magnitude of skin diseases is neglected
or underestimated in many regions of SSA. Also, western healthcare facilities of many regions
of SSA are not up to the mark. The present study recommends that proper access to the health care
system and awareness about skin diseases through various government programs can be helpful in the
regulation of skin disorders among people of SSA.
