Chinese dermatologists’ perceptions of clinical practice

Skin diseases have become an increasing public health concern in China due to environmental changes and population aging. However, systematic data on clinical practices and challenges encountered by dermatologists remain limited. This study conducted a survey among Chinese dermatologists to investigate common skin diseases encountered in outpatient settings, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, resource distribution, and clinical challenges. A cross-sectional survey was conducted utilizing a convenience sampling approach among dermatologists attending a national conference in 2024. From 1,104 valid responses, atopic dermatitis (AD) was predominant in infants (93.7%), adolescents (84.2%), and adults > 45 years (60.9%), while acne prevailed among 18–45 year-olds (60.7%). Significantly higher rates of allergic and infectious dermatoses occurred in inland and lower-tier cities (P < 0.001). Advanced diagnostic equipment was disproportionately concentrated in Tier 1 cities and tertiary hospitals. 51.36% of the dermatologists managed 30–50 patients per half-day, and 39.67% cited limited patient education time as the biggest barrier in clinical practice. The majority of dermatologists recognize the adjunctive role of functional skincare in managing multiple inflammatory skin conditions. Key challenges were identified for managing common inflammatory dermatoses like AD, rosacea, psoriasis, and acne.This survey revealed the substantial outpatient burden of eczema/AD and acne across all age groups in China. Substantial disparities in advanced diagnostic resources were evident across regions, while excessive patient volumes severely limit education time. These findings underscore the critical need for equitable resource distribution and streamlined clinical workflows to enhance the quality and accessibility of dermatologic care nationwide.

Abstract from Crossref