In the last week of General Election 2016 campaigning, what can people with eczema ask election candidate who call to their door?
1 in 10 of children under the age of 7 in Ireland and 1 in 20 adults suffer from eczema. The condition is now estimated to be 30% more common than it was in the 1980s and it usually begins in the first year of life for most sufferers.
The new government can help people to manage moderate or severe eczema by ensuring timely access to specialist care and by relieving the financial burden of the condition. Waiting times to see dermatologists can be up to 12-18 months. Eczema is often a serious financial burden for families of children and adults who have the most common form of the condition, atopic dermatitis and medical cards don’t cover the full spectrum of treatments. Here are two questions that you might like to ask candidates at the door, by e-mail or on social media:
Question 1:
Will you or your party commit to funding better dermatology services near me? This means more resources for GPs, dermatology nurses, consultant dermatologists and access to phototherapy.
Question 2:
Will you support measures to cut the huge out-of-pocket cost of moisturisers (emollients) and essential topical treatments?
Download a letter template to send to election candidates here
Remember! If you’re writing to your election candidate using your full name and postal address on a letter or e-mail so they know you’re a local voter!
