New eczema storybook to promote healthy skin for Indigenous children

A new book for kids aims at raising awareness about people suffering with the often-painful skin condition eczema.

Kaal Tackles Eczema was developed by the Koolungar Moorditj Healthy Skin Project at Telethon Kids Institute after research identified nearly 20 per cent of Aboriginal children living in urban areas have eczema.

Clinical Professor Asha Bowen said the Healthy Skin research team at Telethon Kids Institute had previously done a lot research in remote areas of WA, such as the Kimberley, but in fact most Aboriginal kids live in urban areas, so the latest study aimed at addressing that, with the book the direct result.

“Bunbury was chosen because the local community of Bunbury was very interested and engaged in the topic of skin health, and South West Aboriginal Medical Service was also very keen to be part of it,” Dr Bowen said.

“A wonderful group of Bunbury-based Aboriginal elders and women joined the Community Advisory Group and have provided invaluable guidance for the project as well as become authors of this story book.”

Dermatologist Dr Bernadette Ricciardo, who worked on the project to develop the book, said research undertaken by the institute’s team highlighted the need for evidence-based health promotion materials to help families recognise and manage eczema.

For more information visit telethonkids.org.au/healthyskinbooks.