From the Guidelines
Common dermatologic conditions seen in a college university health clinic include acne, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), fungal infections, viral warts, herpes simplex, scabies, and psoriasis, with acne being particularly prevalent, affecting up to 85% of young adults, as reported in 1. These conditions can have a significant impact on the quality of life of college students, with acne, for example, being associated with increased risks of stigmatization, bullying, depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, and suicidal ideation, as noted in 1. The management of these conditions typically involves a combination of topical and oral treatments, as well as lifestyle modifications. For instance, acne can be treated with topical benzoyl peroxide (2.5-5%) applied once daily, topical retinoids like adapalene 0.1% gel at bedtime, or oral antibiotics such as doxycycline 100mg daily for moderate to severe cases, as recommended in 1. Some key points to consider in the management of these conditions include:
- The use of clinical assessment tools, such as the Dermatology Life Quality Index, to assess the impact of contact dermatitis on patients' quality of life, as suggested in 1
- The importance of taking a detailed history, including symptoms and potential triggers, to diagnose and manage contact dermatitis, as emphasized in 1
- The need for proper skin care, stress management, adequate sleep, and good hygiene practices to prevent and manage dermatologic conditions, as highlighted in the examples provided
- The potential for stress-induced flares of conditions like eczema and psoriasis during exam periods, and the importance of close living quarters in dormitories in facilitating the spread of contagious conditions like scabies, as noted in the examples provided. The most effective approach to managing dermatologic conditions in a college university health clinic is to provide a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the physical, emotional, and social impacts of these conditions, as supported by the guidelines and recommendations outlined in 1, 1, and 1.
From the Research
Common Dermatologic Conditions
- Acne vulgaris is the most common skin condition worldwide, affecting approximately 9% of the population worldwide and approximately 85% of those aged 12 to 24 years 2
- Other common dermatologic conditions include alopecia, facial rashes, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis 3
Treatment of Acne Vulgaris
- First-line therapies for acne vulgaris are topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or combinations of topicals 2
- Combination therapy using adapalene 0.1%-benzoyl peroxide 2.5% fixed-dose combination gel with doxycycline hyclate 100 mg is effective in treating severe acne vulgaris 4
- Adapalene in combination with benzoyl peroxide may be the most effective treatment for acne, but with a slightly higher incidence of withdrawal than monotherapy 5
Prevalence in College University Health Clinic
- Given the age range of college students, acne vulgaris is likely to be a common dermatologic condition seen in a college university health clinic 2
- Other common dermatologic conditions such as alopecia, facial rashes, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis may also be seen in a college university health clinic 3