[Polypharmacy in dermatology].

Abstract

Polypharmacy is defined as the long-term use of more than five medications. Given current advances in treatment, it poses a challenge in patient care. Polypharmacy can be appropriate and justifiable in cases of complex or multiple concurrent conditions (multimorbidity), but if initiated without due caution, it can also lead to significant adverse reactions. In addition, the economic costs associated with unnecessary medication are significant. Polypharmacy is also particularly relevant in dermatology from various perspectives. Many systemic medications can cause adverse skin reactions or induce skin diseases. Conversely, the systemic treatment of skin diseases-particularly in chronically ill, multimorbid, and elderly patients-must be coordinated with internal medicine medications and requires mutual information sharing and cooperation among all healthcare providers. Medication regimens should therefore be reviewed regularly and critically for the benefit of patients.