THE Eczema Association of Australasia will host free eczema clinics in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as part of Eczema Awareness Week, which kicks off today, May 14.
The clinics will offer the opportunity to speak with medical professionals and association representatives about eczema management to help counteract long wait periods experienced by sufferers.
President Cheryl Talent said understood the struggle of those who suffer from the frustrating and often debilitating skin condition.
"With Australia having one of the highest incidences of eczema in the world, affecting one in three Aussies at some stage of their lives, it's hard to believe that some patients are forced to wait months for appropriate diagnosis and treatment," Ms Talent said.
"Due to the visible signs of eczema there are a lot of stigmas associated with the skin condition, and extensive waiting periods for treatment only exacerbate the problem, both physically and emotionally."
A recent report released by the Department of Health revealed a worrisome future for those suffering with eczema, with a significant shortage of dermatology specialists anticipated in the future. Ms Talent said this placed pressure on the health workforce to undergo significant transformation now to meet demands in the future.
Despite there being no cure, she said people can learn to manage eczema flare-ups effectively. "Eczema at any stage of life is controllable as long as the condition is diagnosed correctly by a healthcare professional."
Clinic Locations:
- Sydney: May 14, 9am- 12.30pm, Skin and Cancer Foundation, 121 Crown St, Darlinghurst.
- Melbourne: May 15, 9am-12.30pm, Skin and Cancer Foundation, Level 1, 80 Drummond St, Carlton.
- Brisbane: May 17, 9am-12.30pm, Mater Hospital Brisbane, Des O' Callaghan Auditorium, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane.
For more information about phone 1300-300-182 or www.eczema.org.au
