Here at DigiDerm we make the safety of our patients our first concern. We also hold the belief that we should protect the long-term health of the wider population and of humanity.
This is why we follow a ‘Safe Antibiotic Prescribing’ Policy.
Why is this important?
Over the last few decades modern medicine has advocated the use of antibiotics to treat infections. This of course has had its advantages and has helped minimise the suffering of many humans by helping to cure their infections. One of the disadvantages of the widespread use of antibiotics is the development of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). This is where, over time, pathogens including bacteria, fungi and viruses have created adaptive mechanisms to help them evade the effects of antibiotics. This means that some antibiotics we commonly use in the UK are now ineffective against certain infections. This poses a risk to human health in the short term, but also in the long-term. If we continue to overuse antibiotics and use them when we don’t really need them, there will be ever-growing AMR. There has been a stagnation in the development of new classes of antibiotics in recent years and therefore it is our belief that it is important we preserve the effectiveness of what we already have.
How can I help reduce antibiotic resistance as a patient?
As dermatology prescribing pharmacists, we at DigiDerm are acutely aware of the need to use and promote sensible use of antibiotics amongst our patients.
We would advise all our patients:
- Use the correct antibiotics only when needed (can you manage with some self-care instead?)
- Use the correct dose intervals.
- Use for the correct duration (Don’t use longer than you need as the bacteria may become resistant!)
If you would like to become an Antibiotic Guardian like us, then visit: https://antibioticguardian.com/ and make your pledge! (170,000+ people have already pledged at the time of counting 😊)
How does this apply to Skin Conditions?
Many skin conditions are caused or worsened by the presence of pathogens such as bacteria. There are thousands of different bacteria that can cause infection and so it is important we only try to kill or reduce the bacteria that are responsible for that infection- otherwise we may also kill other normal bacteria (commensal bacteria) on our skin unnecessarily. These commensal bacteria are very clever and may learn and share ways with other bacteria about how to become resistant to antibiotics in the future- such as to develop pumps to remove the antibiotic out of it’s cell. For example, in acne the main bacteria are Propionibacterium Acnes. Therefore, we would want to use an antibiotic that we know specifically targets this bacterium, and for the shortest time possible- this will help the antibiotic stay more effective in the long term. If a patient overuses a particular antibiotic, then it is possible for the bacteria to develop resistance within just a few days!
How do we help tackle AMR at DigiDerm?
At DigiDerm we use the latest clinical guidelines from reputable institutions such as NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) and WHO (World Health Organisation).
We also use specific dermatological guidance from recognised UK sources such as the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), the Primary Care Dermatological Society (BAD) and international sources such as European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) and the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).
We also follow specific antimicrobial policies such as the Primary Care Antimicrobial Guidelines by the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG).
By using the latest clinical guidelines, we know we are prescribing medications appropriately and safely with AMR in mind.
We also conduct regular audits of our prescribing practice. We learn together and we share our learning with other prescribers so we can collectively benefit and improve the care to our patients and humanity.
We also promote antibiotic awareness and other amazingly fascinating things about the skin in our Blog, Skin-teresting!
