Abstract

Laser treatment is often seen as a hallmark of modern technology that may use as an alternative treatment modality in various skin disorders. Various factors related to patient and technology which could result in variable, unpredictable complications or poor responses to laser therapy in spite of ensuring appropriate indications and adequate parameters of laser use. Hence the present study was undertaken to assess the awareness, attitude and practice in application of lasers in dermatology among patients attending dermatology OPD. Methods & material: A Hospital based study was undertaken during January 2022 among 120 patients who attended OPD in Department of Dermatology, Prathima Institute of Medical sciences, Karimnagar. Results: About 56 (46.7%) were heard of lasers application for skin disorders. Majority 36 (64.3%) of patients were aware of various skin conditions where lasers were applied. No post-operative morbidity was observed in 104 (86.7%) of the patients, whereas about 16 (13.3%) has reported some or other kind of morbidities. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that the average knowledge among patients, but some knowledge gaps on certain specific aspects still remained which needs to be addressed on various aspects of laser application. About 13.3% of patients experienced side- effects following laser therapy. Most of the patients were unaware about the advantages of laser treatments and its side effects and hence it is important to conduct more awareness programmes to the general public about the applications and benefits of lasers in dermatological conditions

Description

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