Skin health is essential for overall health. Skin infections (caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria) can lead to serious downstream complications. Until recently little was known about the incidence of skin disease and community priorities for skin health among urban-living Aboriginal children and their families in Western Australia. This knowledge is vital for informing appropriate service provision, educational, and prevention strategies to improve skin health and avoid downstream health complications. Addressing this, clinicians, researchers, Elders, community members and two urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHO) are working together to achieve moorditj marp (strong skin).
Observational studies examined skin health at a community, primary care and specialist dermatology level. With support of Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHPs), monthly paediatric dermatology clinics and week-long community skin screening events were held at partnering ACCHO sites. Aboriginal community members co-designed skin health promotion and educational resources.
Community skin screening weeks facilitated skin checks for nearly 250 children. Specialist paediatric dermatology care was made accessible within a culturally safe setting. The most common skin concerns identified were eczema, head lice, ringworm and impetigo (including Group A streptococcus). Clinical factsheets and updated treatment recommendations optimised care, while community-led health promotion resources empowered children and their families to better understand and manage their skin health. Community-identified priorities, including tertiary hospital AHP-led inpatient skin health programs, sun safety, and community-driven health promotion resources, are now being addressed.
An integrated, culturally safe approach and co-design in skin health research and translation is integral to improved skin health outcomes.