Why Healthy Skin is Important
The information in this article has been reviewed by the Northpharm Quality Use of Medicines Committee.
As the body’s primary barrier against the outside world, skin health is a cornerstone of our general well-being.
While skin infections affect over 162 million children worldwide, the burden is disproportionately high for Aboriginal children. In remote regions, nearly 50% of children deal with skin sores—a frequency that ranks among the highest globally.
Risks and Long-term Complications
Contagious conditions like scabies and impetigo aren’t just temporary irritations; if they recur, they can lead to lasting health damage. Itchy ailments such as eczema, tinea, and head lice often break the skin’s surface, allowing harmful bacteria to enter.
Without prompt medical care, simple sores or boils can escalate into dangerous complications, including:
Sepsis (blood poisoning)
Infections of the bones and joints
Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN), which affects kidney function.
A Hidden Crisis
Statistics highlight a stark inequality: Aboriginal children are hospitalised for skin-related issues at 15 times the rate of their non-Aboriginal peers.
Because these infections are so common in remote areas, they are sometimes dismissed as "normal." This lack of treatment can lead to devastating, life-long conditions like chronic kidney disease and heart disease.
Beyond the physical toll, skin struggles impact a child’s quality of life by causing:
Social stigma and feelings of shame.
Disrupted sleep and difficulty focusing in the classroom.
Risk of spreading infections to family and friends.
Prevention and Care
The good news is that these conditions are treatable. If you notice a rash or sore, visit your local health clinic immediately for a professional assessment.
To help keep your family's skin healthy and strong, follow these preventative steps:
Hand Hygiene: Use soap and water frequently.
Nail Care: Keep fingernails trimmed and free of dirt.
Daily Washing: Maintain a regular routine of showering or bathing.
Clothing: Ensure clothes and linens are washed regularly.
Protection: Keep any existing sores covered.
Early Action: Seek clinic treatment for any new rashes or sores right away.
Educational Resources
Northpharm has developed a suite of free resources to raise awareness about skin health. You can download these materials below to help share this vital information with your community.
Download the ‘Healthy Skin, Healthy You’ Poster (PDF, 1048KB)
Download the ‘Tips On How To Keep Your Skin Healthy’ Poster (PDF, 659KB)
Sources
National Guidelines for skin infections. 2nd Edition. https://infectiousdiseases.thekids.org.au/resources/skin-guidelines/
Rural and Remote Health https://www.rrh.org.au/journal/article/5227/#:~:text=Rates%20of%20scabies%20and%20impetigo,aureus%20and%20S.