Evidence-Based Complementary Therapies in Dermatology
Dermatologists can overcome their discomfort with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by relying on evidence-based research, according to Medscape Medical News. This approach allows traditionally trained clinicians to integrate alternative therapies into patient care by focusing on verified data rather than anecdotal claims.
Why do clinicians feel discomfort with alternative therapies?
Traditionally trained clinicians in dermatology often experience hesitation or discomfort when addressing complementary and alternative therapies. This tension typically stems from the gap between standard medical training and the practices associated with CAM, according to Medscape Medical News.
How can dermatologists integrate CAM into their practice?
The path to resolving this discomfort is through the application of evidence. Medscape Medical News reports that clinicians can bridge the gap by following the evidence associated with these therapies.

By prioritizing verified research, providers can determine which alternative treatments are effective. This evidence-based shift removes the reliance on non-clinical intuition.
What may happen next for dermatology practices?
A possible next step is a shift in how dermatologists communicate with patients about non-traditional treatments. If clinicians continue to follow the evidence, they may become more comfortable discussing CAM openly.
This trend could lead to a more integrated approach to skin care where traditional and complementary therapies coexist based on proven efficacy. Such a shift is likely to depend on the continued availability of high-quality research.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can dermatologists overcome their hesitation toward CAM?
According to Medscape Medical News, traditionally trained clinicians can overcome this discomfort simply by following the evidence.
Who experiences discomfort with alternative therapies?
The source identifies traditionally trained clinicians in the field of dermatology as those who may feel discomfort with these therapies.
What is the recommended basis for using complementary therapies?
The recommended basis is the use of evidence-based research to guide clinical decisions.
Do you believe evidence-based research is enough to make clinicians comfortable with alternative medicine?