A new eczema management guide for pharmacists has been released to coincide with National Eczema Awareness Week.
The Eczema Management Guide for the Pharmacist is a new resource, and a first of its kind for Australia, developed for the Eczema Association by pharmacist Tina Aspres and dermatologist Dr Phillip Artemi.
As part of its support for the week, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is making the resource available to members via its website (www.psa.org.au).
Grant Kardachi, acting president of the PSA, said the resource would bring pharmacists up-to-date on current treatments and advice available.
"This new resource is one that will assist pharmacists greatly in the care of their patients with eczema," he said.
"Pharmacists are very focussed on the quality use of medicines to ensure that consumers get the best possible treatment available to them."
Mr Kardachi also encouraged pharmacies to use the Eczema Self Care Fact Card at every opportunity, as a starting point for discussion about the condition.
"As the Government moves towards a much greater emphasis on preventive health, it is timely that National Eczema Awareness Week helps highlight the pivotal role pharmacists play in this area," Mr Kardachi said. Eczema is a skin condition which affects about one in three Australians at some time in their lives.
National Eczema Awareness Week runs until 13 September.