Counting the Cost of Childhood Eczema
Study highlights how care costs extend beyond healthcare utilisation A study recently published in the British Journal of Dermatology (Olsson, Bajpai, Wee et al, 2020) highlights the ‘substantial costs’ that eczema can impose, with a significant proportion due to informal caregiving* and out-of-pocket expenses**, illustrating that the cost of caring for a child with eczema […]
Know Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type: Protect Your Skin!
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland and in fair/light skinned populations worldwide, for whom sunburn is a risk factor. The vast majority of these cancers are associated with overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV), mainly from sunlight. However, UV from artificial sources e.g. sunbeds, also cause skin cancer. Yet, the good news […]
The Microbiome: new avenues of exploration in psoriasis research
Studies indicate that some common inflammatory skin conditions e.g. acne, rosacea, atopic eczema, psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa, are associated with changes in the microorganisms that live on (colonize) human skin. These changes, or imbalance (compared with normal), is termed dysbiosis and has prompted research into the possible role(s) of the microbiome in a number of […]
Sunlight, sap and strimmer’s rash – how some plants pose a risk to your skin
The recent spell of sunny weather has encouraged lots of us to get active outdoors, enticing walkers and cyclists to explore the countryside and gardeners to tackle weeds, hedges, ditches and lawns. While the odd nettle sting, or scratch from a thorn is quite a common occurrence amongst those who enjoy outdoor pursuits or gardening, […]
ISF Gives Talk on ‘Skin Health’ at An Cosán
On Thursday the 28 March the ISF Health Promotion Team were delighted to give a general talk on ‘Skin Health and Common Skin Conditions’ to the lovely ladies of the University of the Third Age in An Cosán in Tallaght. Beginning as The Shanty in September 1986, co-founders Dr Ann Louise Gilligan and Dr Katherine […]
Tattoos: some considerations for your skin’s health
Think before you ink! As the popularity of tattoos continues to rise, so too do concerns about potential risks. While some of these risks may be known to the general public (e.g. the transmission of serious blood borne infections through unsterilized equipment), others may be less well publicised e.g. tattoo associated skin disorders or indeed, […]
Study indicates incidence of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) appears to be doubled among smokers
A recent study* published in the British Journal of Dermatology has found that incidence of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) appears to be doubled among tobacco smokers. The researchers examined healthcare data and identified nearly 4 million tobacco smokers and over 8 million non‐smokers. The incidence of HS was 0.20% among smokers and 0.11% among non‐smokers – […]
Government ends ‘perverse anomaly’ of lower VAT rate on sunbeds than on sunscreens
A welcome end to ‘perverse anomaly’ of lower VAT rate on sunbeds, which cause skin cancer, compared to sunscreens, which help to prevent it. Next step – a complete ban! Skin cancer in Ireland Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. Yet, in most cases, it is one of the most preventable forms […]
Two important reports published in July highlight the rising incidence of skin cancer
The National Cancer Registry of Ireland has just published a report on Cancer Trends (Cancer trends no. 34 – skin cancer) today, July 19th. The report highlights a sharp rise in incidence of both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers in Ireland. This increase, along with the pattern of distribution (i.e. body sites affected), indicate that type […]
Sunbeds cause skin cancer when used exactly as intended…
It’s official, there is no safe limit for exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunbeds, according to independent scientific committee. Skin cancer in Ireland Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. Yet, in most cases, it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. There are two main types: non-melanoma (including […]
