Menzies hosts healthy skin workshop for public health professionals

It is estimated that more than 16 000 children suffer from impetigo (skin sores) across northern Australia at any one time, a far higher incidence than is reported elsewhere globally.

Childhood infections can be extremely serious and can have long-lasting and devastating effects, including the development of ARF and RHD.

Our research demonstrated the widespread and frequent transmission of skin pathogens both within and between households in Indigenous communities.

The relationship between the high incidence of skin sores and overcrowding in remote communities is one factor underpinning the need to improve the provision of appropriate accommodation across northern Australia.

In 2016, we hosted a Healthy Skin Workshop to share information with stakeholders from across the public health spectrum to enable an effective and coordinated approach to skin health in the Top End.