Epaderm

Epaderm from Mölnlycke Health Care, is a rich emollient used in the management of eczema, psoriasis and other dry skin conditions. Epaderm is highly versatile and can be used directly on the skin, in the bath or as a skin cleanser; providing complete emollient therapy in one product. It is suitable for all ages, including babies.

Developed by dermatologists, Epaderm has no fragrances, colourings or additives, and contains less sensitisers than other brands. It contains yellow soft paraffin, emulsifying wax and liquid paraffin, which deeply moisturise and soften the skin. Epaderm provides a film barrier, which aids moisture retention within the skin.

For more information visit the website

Acne Priority Setting Partnership

The Acne Priority Setting Partnership was set up to bring together on a level playing field people with acne and those who treat them to first identify and then prioritise unanswered questions about the treatment of acne. The partnership, which is funded by the UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network and the Society for Academic Primary Care, is being co-ordinated from the Department of Dermatology at Harrogate District Hospital where consultant dermatologist and leading acne expert, Dr Alison Layton, and her team are based. It is overseen by a Steering Group comprising patient representatives, people who treat acne and experts chosen for their ability to help with specific tasks. The Steering Group is chaired by Lester Firkins, OBE, of the James Lind Alliance which pioneered the interactive process of priority setting that has now become an established part of the National Institute of Health Research’s evidence gathering to justify where research funds are targeted

British Skin Foundation

British Skin Foundation (BSF) is the only UK charity dedicated to skin disease research. With more than 8 million people in the UK suffering with some form of skin disease; the BSF aims to fund the research that is vital for a better understanding of the numerous conditions that blight the lives of so many. Since its inception the British Skin Foundation has funded more than 250 research projects with a total value of over 8 Million pounds. As well as supporting research into diseases such as eczema, psoriasis and skin cancer, cases of which are unfortunately all too common; the BSF are also looking to find better treatments and eventual cures for conditions that may be less familiar such as vitiligo, ichthyosis and alopecia.

Ichthyosis Support Group

The Ichthyosis Support Group (ISG) is the only registered charity in the UK supporting families and individuals living with all forms of ichthyosis. Set up in 1997 the ISG is run by a small team of volunteers and a part time employee to provide information, support and networking between those affected by ichthyosis. Members have access to medical professionals with a knowledge and understanding of the various forms of ichthyosis. The ISG provides on-going support, information and advice about living with ichthyosis, and an annual event which brings those affected by ichthyosis and medical professionals together to share experiences and to learn about living with ichthyosis. The ISG also is very active beyond supporting its members, lobbying for greater research into ichthyosis, raising awareness of the condition amongst the general public, promoting a better understanding within the medical profession, and providing an annual research grant towards improving treatment and the understanding of the causes of ichthyosis.

Nottingham Support Group for Carers of Children with Eczema

Nottingham Support Group for Carers of Children with Eczema (NSGCCE) is a voluntary group made up of carers of children with eczema, those with eczema and healthcare professionals. The information and support offered is mainly web and electronic media based, and this support is offered without geographic boundaries. NSGCCE has around 30 different patient information leaflets freely available on their website, direct links to the senior clinicians and clinical trials teams in Nottingham, a Blog, Email Alert Service, RSS Newsfeed and thriving Twitter community hosted as @eczemasupport, as well as their website. They also host annual awareness days for healthcare professionals.

The Psoriasis Association

The Psoriasis Association is a well-established UK based charity with three aims:-

• To raise awareness about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis,
• To provide information, advice and support to those whose lives are affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and;
• To promote and fund research into the causes, nature and care of psoriasis and to publish and disseminate the results of that research.