Comparative Healthcare: Dermatology

The skin is the largest organ of the body and dermatological problems are among the more common ailments to aflict mankind. The care of patients with skin compalints are an excellent backdrop in which to compare medicine as practiced in China with what is available to Australias. The approach to most conditions is very similar whether you live in Beijing or Hobart. However there are also marked differences, in China acupuncture, herbal medicine and therapeutic massage are integral parts of everyday medical practice, and are promoted by the government. Dermatology is an area where a traditional herbalist would attract as many patients as an orthodox dermatologist. For me there are some marked differences in the way care is organised as is demonstrated in the management of the patient with chronic leg ulcers. The authors state that such patients are more likely to be referred to a dermatologist in China because general practice has yet to establish itself fully as a specialty. On the other hand in Australia such patients are much more likely to be managed almost exclusively in primary care with the support of the community nursing services. Indeed as the Australian author states the wait for a routine appointment with a dermatologist may be several months. It is also intriguing to read about Formula A101 an herbal lotion being promoted in China as a treatment for a variety of dermatological and other ailments. As with previous articles in this series the views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the AMJ or any other official body.