Prevalence & Context

The prevalence of skin diseases in Ireland highlights the significance of establishing the Charles Institute as a dedicated facility for dermatology research and training.

Skin conditions are the fourth most common reason for GP visits in Ireland. Each year, 15% of all GP visits are attributed to a skin complaint. The prevalence of skin diseases such as skin cancer, leg ulcers and atopic eczema has increased steadily over the past 20 years. And today, between 25% and 33% of the Irish population suffer from a dermatological condition at any one time.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland. The incidence of malignant melanoma, a potentially fatal skin cancer, is rising in Ireland with approximately 600 people being diagnosed with skin melanoma each year. A further 6,200 people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer each year.

Atopic Eczema

Studies also show that up to 20% of Irish children have suffered from atopic eczema by the age of four. With this inflammatory disease, the skin barrier is disrupted and the skin becomes dry and prone to infection. This leads to great distress in affected children sufferers and their parents as the condition is exacerbated by soap and detergents making washing and hygiene a real problem in the home.

The causes of atopic eczema are still not fully understood. It is hereditary but research into the genetic causes is still in its infancy. Eczema cannot be cured but there are many ways of controlling it and most children improve as they get older (75% clear by their teens).

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is another common skin disease that causes huge distress and for which treatment remains elusive. The condition appears as unsightly patches (plaques) that can itch, form painful splits in the skin and can cause painful joints. One of the main problems for psoriasis sufferers lies in the way it looks and the social implications of the skin disease which severely affect the quality of life of the sufferer.

There is no cure for psoriasis but there are effective cream and lotion treatments to control the symptoms of mild psoriasis. A patient with extensive psoriasis will need to attend a dermatology outpatient unit or be admitted to a dermatology ward for 3-4 weeks for treatment. Even following effective treatment, there is a tendency for the symptoms of psoriasis to return.

Acne

Acne is a common condition which usually starts in puberty with its characteristic spots appearing on the face, neck, chest and back. Apart from the social pressures experienced by acne sufferers, the skin condition can result in permanent scarring of the skin.

There is currently no treatment which can completely cure acne. Existing treatments act to prevent new spots forming, to reduce those already present and to prevent scarring.