Compounding as a Current Therapeutic Option in Dermatology

The document from 2013 discusses the resurgence of compounding in dermatology, a practice of creating customized medications for individual patient needs. It reviews the advantages and disadvantages of compounding, including safety, stability, and effectiveness concerns, and the importance of meeting quality standards. The paper details the use of compounding for various dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, acne, rosacea, pigmentation disorders, vitiligo, oral mucosa diseases, and scalp conditions including androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata. It highlights the effectiveness of topical minoxidil for hair growth, the controversial use of finasteride in women, and the lack of definitive treatments for alopecia areata. The document also emphasizes the need for physicians to understand the principles of compounding and communicate with pharmacists, and suggests that with better regulation, compounded medications could become more standardized and cost-effective. No conflicts of interest are declared by the authors.