Abstract
BACKGROUND: Polynucleotides (PN) are increasingly used for the treatment of facial erythema in the Republic of Korea. However, there are limited pre-clinical and clinical data on the efficacy of polynucleotides for facial erythema. In this study, we investigated the current practice and perceived effectiveness of polynucleotide treatment for facial erythema among cosmetic physicians. METHODS: By conducting a survey among clinicians who use PN in clinical practice, we explored the current practices and assessed the perceived effectiveness of polynucleotides in treating facial erythema. RESULTS: A total of 557 physicians who used polynucleotides for facial erythema participated in the survey. Polynucleotides were used by 84.4%, 66.4%, and 47.4% of physicians for facial erythema caused by inflammatory facial dermatosis, repeated laser/microneedle radiofrequency, and steroid overuse, respectively. Among those users, 88.1%, 90%, and 83.7% respectively in those same categories answered that polynucleotides were "highly effective" or "effective." Furthermore, they agreed that polynucleotides have the following properties: wound healing/regeneration (95.8%), protection of skin barrier (92.2%), hydration (90.5%), vascular stabilization (81.0%), and anti-inflammation (79.5%). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that cosmetic physicians in the Republic of Korea have used PN as a part of combination treatment for facial erythema resulting from inflammatory facial dermatosis and repeated laser/ microneedle radiofrequency, rather than from steroid overuse. Also, most clinicians agreed that PN was effective for treatment of facial erythema. Given the lack of pre-clinical and clinical trial evidence, the empirical responses of practicing physicians provide useful information to guide clinical practice and further research.