The Maltese Association of Dermatology and Venereology on Friday raised the alarm on a growing trend of prescription hair medication being handed out by non-medical practitioners.
In a statement on Friday, the association warned this “deplorable practice” could have “potentially serious consequences” if the medication is used inappropriately insisting such drugs “can only be prescribed by medical doctors”.
MADV said they have seen an increasing number of cases involving trichologists who are not listed on the medical register prescribing treatment for hair and scalp medical conditions. These medicines are “being liberally dispensed” in certain community pharmacies.
“Drugs such as potent topical steroids, antibiotics, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and JAK inhibitors are prescription medication with potentially serious consequences if employed inappropriately and can only be prescribed by medical doctors,” association president Lawrence Scerri said.
“Inappropriate or delayed proper medical treatment of medical conditions of the hair and scalp may result in permanent disfiguring scarring and worsening hair loss.”
He added that dispensing pharmacists are not authorised to dispense such medication without a prescription from a qualified medical practitioner. The prescription must include the doctor’s medical registration number for it to be valid.
Trichologists are not considered doctors unless they hold a medical degree and are listed on the medical register of the Maltese Medical Council.