The rate of skin infections in Aboriginal children living in remote communities has halved over the course of a major five-year study.

Untreated skin infections can cause rheumatic heart disease, sepsis and kidney disease – all of which disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

A trial has found regular skin check-ups were the key to driving down cases of painful skin sores and scabies.

Guests

• Professor Asha Bowen, Paediatric Infectious Disease Specialist at Perth Children's Hospital and The Kids Research Institute Australia
• Stephanie Enkel, Research Assistant at The Kids Research Institute Australia

References

• Trimodal skin health programme for childhood impetigo control in remote Western Australia (SToP): a cluster randomised, stepped-wedge trial
• See, Treat, Prevent Skin Sores and Scabies (SToP) Trial