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Department of Pharmaceutics, Odisha University of Health and Sciences, Odisha, India
Community pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals and possess substantial pharmaceutical expertise, yet their potential remains underutilized, particularly in the management of dermatological conditions. As the healthcare system shifts toward more patient-centred care, pharmacists are increasingly positioned to play a vital role in supporting the safe and effective use of medications. Dermatology represents a significant area of unmet need within primary care, with many individuals self-managing chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. This highlights an opportunity for pharmacists to facilitate informed self-care and improve long-term treatment outcomes through medication therapy management and patient counselling. To explore this potential, a literature review was conducted to evaluate the role of community pharmacists in dermatological care. The findings suggest that pharmacists can positively impact self-care for minor skin conditions, though their diagnostic capabilities in dermatology require further development. While preliminary evidence supports their role in managing long-term skin diseases, robust data on clinical outcomes remain limited. Overall, community pharmacists could play a meaningful role in dermatologic care, but further research is needed to define the scope, training needs, and effectiveness of their involvement in this field.
Department of Pharmaceutics, Odisha University of Health and Sciences, Odisha, India