Skin health of Aboriginal children living in urban communities

Background: Skin concerns are frequent among urban-living Aboriginal children, yet specialist dermatology consultations are limited with studies highlighting the need for improved cultural security. Through newly established paediatric dermatology clinics at two urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), we aimed to describe clinic and patient data, including disease frequencies and associations, to inform dermatology service provision and advocacy.

Methods: A prospective cohort study of Aboriginal children and young people (CYP, 0-18 years) attending Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP) co-ordinated paediatric dermatology clinics at two urban ACCHOs.

Results: Data were collected from 32 clinics over 19 months, with 335 episodes of care and a mean attendance rate of 74%. From 78 new patients, 72 (92%) were recruited into the study, only one of whom had previously received dermatologist assessment. Eczema, tinea or acne accounted for 47% (34/72) of referrals, and 60% of patients received their first appointment within 4 weeks of referral. In 47/72 (65%) consultations, the GP referral and dermatologist diagnosis concurred. The most frequent diagnoses (primary or secondary) at first consultation were atopic dermatitis (26%, 19/72), dermatophyte infections (25%, 18/72), acne (21%, 15/72), bacterial skin infections (18%, 13/72) and post-inflammatory dyspigmentation (18%, 13/72). Three categories of the 2022 Australasian College of Dermatologists curriculum (infections, eczema/dermatitis, pigmentary disorders) accounted for 59% of all diagnoses.

Conclusions: This study highlights the specialist dermatology needs of urban-living Aboriginal CYP. ACCHO-embedded dermatology clinics co-ordinated by AHPs demonstrated benefits for Aboriginal CYP in accessing care. Opportunities to embed dermatology practice within ACCHOs should be prioritised.