Pain Management in Dermatology (Part I)

Abstract

Pain is a major clinical symptom in medicine. In the scope of Dermatology, pain occurs most commonly in the surgical setting, but it is also associated with a wide spectrum of chronic medical entities. Control of acute perioperative pain is an indicator of healthcare quality and a significant determinant of procedure morbidity and patient’s satisfaction. Chronic pain is responsible for excessive suffering, poorer quality of life and important socioeconomic costs. This paper reviews the general principles of acute perioperative and chronic pain management in Dermatology. It aims to raise awareness for its significance and to further reduce the burden of untreated pain and, consequently, improve dermatological patient care. The first part of this revision has a focus on epidemiological aspects, the definition of pain and current conceptual model, and the management of acute perioperative pain.