Assessment of Topical Drug Absorption Understanding Among Dermatology Patients in Ondo State

Misconceptions about topical drug absorption and application techniques are common among patients prescribed dermatological preparations and can result in therapeutic failure or systemic toxicity. This study assessed patient understanding of topical drug absorption, application techniques, and safety among dermatology outpatients at a general hospital in Akure, Ondo State, South West Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 160 patients attending the dermatology clinic and receiving at least one topical pharmaceutical preparation. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge of topical drug application frequency, quantity, occlusion effects, systemic absorption risks, and drug storage. Results showed that correct application technique knowledge was adequate in only 43.1 percent of respondents. Understanding of the risk of systemic absorption, particularly for potent topical corticosteroids, was present in only 29.4 percent. Incorrect beliefs such as that applying more cream improves efficacy faster were held by 52.5 percent of respondents. Fingertip unit guidance was unfamiliar to 88.1 percent of respondents, indicating universal inadequacy in quantity counselling. Use of topical steroids on sensitive areas including the face and skin folds without counselling was reported by 33.1 percent of corticosteroid users. The study concludes that pharmacist counselling for topical drug formulations is critically insufficient in this population and recommends structured topical medicine counselling, including visual demonstration of application technique and clear written instructions, as a standard dispensing practice.

Keywords: topical drug absorption, dermatology patients, application technique, Ondo State, pharmaceutical counselling