We were delighted to contribute to the special ‘Skin & Dermatology’ supplement, which appeared in the Irish Independent (Friday, 29th March) and on HealthNews.ie in partnership with MediaPlanet. The supplement provides insight and guidance on a number of common skin diseases affecting Irish people including skin cancer, psoriasis, acne and eczema.
Skin diseases in Ireland are on the rise
National Clinical Lead for Dermatology, HSE, Professor Anne Marie Tobin, writes, “In Ireland 54% of the population is affected by skin disease annually with up to 33% of people at any one time having a condition that would benefit from medical care”. Dr Tobin’s article explores the rising incidence of skin cancer, especially in younger people; the prevalence and treatment of psoriasis in Ireland; improved medical treatment for those with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS); and the emotional distress caused by acne.
Psoriasis and acne are damaging young people’s mental health
Consultant Dermatologist, Professor Caitriona Ryan, explains the devastating affects common skin conditions like psoriasis and acne can have on young peoples’ mental health and the impact it has on their day-to-day lives. Dr Ryan urges anyone experiencing distress as a result of their condition to discuss it with their GP or dermatologist as she feels, “Sometimes patients spend too long trying to solve the condition themselves before seeking medical help.”
Emollients: essential daily care for your child’s eczema
Health Promotion Manager, Irish Skin Foundation, Michelle Dolan, explores the crucial role emollient therapy plays in protecting and restoring the skin barrier, as part of the overall strategy to achieve long-term control in managing your child’s eczema. In her ‘Top 10 tips for emollient therapy’ she encourages parents of children with eczema to, “Empower you kids – teach them how to apply their emollients correctly from a young age”.
Skin cancer trends and sunbed use
Cancer Prevention Manager, Irish Cancer Society, Kevin O’Hagan, looks at some of the major risk factors causing skin cancer in our population, such as lack of protection of skin during childhood and adolescence; the use of sunbeds by young people, as studies have shown regular tanning before the age of 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%; and how in Ireland 90% of the days between April and September have a UV level high enough to cause skin damage. He also provides tips for, ‘How to stay smart in the sun’.
Psoriasis of the scalp: symptoms and diagnosis
Online at Healthnews.ie, Health Promotion Manager, Michelle Greenwood, writes that, “Almost 80% of people with psoriasis will have scalp involvement at some point in their lives.” She discusses the symptoms and diagnosis of scalp psoriasis in her article, as well as another piece, which explores ‘Topical treatments for scalp psoriasis: what to do’ explains topical treatments and the combination of treatments which may help relieve the itch and calm flare-ups.
All the articles featured are available in the Dermatology section of HealthNews.ie.
If you need help or guidance about managing a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis, HS, acne or rosacea, contact the ISF Helpline here.
