[Pain management and the use of analgesics in dermatology].
OBJECTIVE
To determine pain assessment and management, and the use of analgesics in dermatology.


METHODS
Two hundred and sixty six patients hospitalised in a dermatology university department (Henri-Mondor, Créteil) between November 1999 and April 2000 were enrolled in a prospective study. Clinical evaluation of pain intensity and evolution were studied using a visual analogic scale (VAS) pain score at presentation, during hospitalisation, and at discharge. Prescription and consumption of analgesics were also studied.


RESULTS
Fifty-nine percent of the patients experienced pain. Eighty-four percent of them had mild or moderate to severe pain (VAS<7/10) and were relieved with non or mild opioid analgesics (discharge VAS<4/10). Sixteen percent of them had intense pain requiring morphine (VAS score >=7/10).


CONCLUSIONS
Pain management is very important in dermatology. Every physician should know its principles since dermatologists play a crucial role in the patient's care.
Bouloc
A
A
Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, 94010 Créteil, France.
Revuz
J
J
D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000150:complications*
D000700:Analgesics