Research Summary
In recent years, topically applied semi-solid formulations certified as medical devices, rather than topical drugs, have been increasingly used for the treatment of skin diseases. Medical devices primarily exert their therapeutic effect through physical mechanisms, rather than pharmacological, immunological, or metabolic actions.
The growing presence of medical devices in the dermatological market may be partly explained by the less complex marketing authorization process when compared to topical drugs. If the necessary requirements are met to certify a product as a medical device, the opportunity arises to rapidly introduce innovations to the market and promote them.
A variety of evidence-based medical devices for several dermatological conditions are presented here.
Keywords: medical device, atopic dermatitis, actinic keratosis, head lice, scars, radiation-induced dermatitis.