Healthy skin for women: a review of common conditions and therapies.

Objective: To review common dermatologic conditions that may be of particular concern to women throughout their lives, including acne, contact dermatitis, skin conditions of pregnancy, dry skin, and sun-related skin damage.

Data Sources: Articles identified through a search of MEDLINE and pharmacology and dermatology textbooks using the terms women, dermatology, skin, acne, skin cancer, sunscreens, pregnancy, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, dermatitis, cosmetic dermatitis, dry skin (xerosis), actinic keratosis, oral contraceptives, and striae. Additional references were identified from the bibliographies of retrieved articles and book chapters.

Data Synthesis: A number of skin conditions may be of particular concern to women throughout their lives. Acne, which may be particularly troublesome during the teenage years and young adulthood, and skin conditions that are common during pregnancy may be influenced by hormonal changes that occur at different life stages. Skin conditions that are influenced by the environment include contact dermatitis, dry skin, and sun-related skin damage, including actinic keratosis, carcinoma, and melanoma. Many of these conditions are amenable to nonpharmacologic therapy and over-the-counter treatments, whereas others require prescription pharmacotherapy. Pharmacists are in an ideal position to advise women about the appropriate management of these conditions and to identify lesions that require additional assessment.

Conclusion: Pharmacists can make valuable contributions to patients' self-care of the skin by recommending products, educating patients about skin health, and counseling patients about prescription medications. Gaining a greater understanding of skin conditions that are of particular concern to women can prepare pharmacists to make these contributions.