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Central Alberta dermatologist hosts Red Deer World Skin Health Day event

2024 was the first time World Skin Health Day was globally recognized on the same day
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Dr. Mary Thomas, a board member of the International Society of Dermatology and North American Representative for World Skin Health Day, hosted an event in Red Deer on July 8.

Earlier this week, a Central Alberta dermatologist participated in the first globally dedicated World Skin Health Day. 

Dr. Mary Thomas, a board member of the International Society of Dermatology and North American Representative for World Skin Health Day, facilitated the local event on July 8, which focused on teen and tween skincare, addressing myths propagated through social media.

According to the release, World Skin Health Day was established in 2013 by the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and the International Society of Dermatology (ISD). Until this year, activities occurred on different days globally.

The launch of an annual dedicated day of awareness-raising in 2024 aims to highlight the significant impact of skin diseases and the need for more education and increased equity of access to treatment for patients worldwide.

“We are thrilled to support World Skin Health Day," Thomas said about the global awareness day.

"Our goal is to educate the community about the importance of skincare, especially for our younger population. We encourage parents and children to talk to their dermatologist before subscribing to popular trends on social media. The online forum planned for later in July will be an excellent opportunity for general practitioners to stay updated on the latest in dermatology.”

The in-clinic seminar was well attended and aimed to educate parents and children about proper skincare routines, addressing common skin issues in teens and tweens.

The session provided practical advice, hands-on demonstrations, and free dermatologist-approved products to attendees. An informative online forum for general practitioners will also be launched, equipping them with tools to address these myths when patients raise such issues.

The general practitioner forum and educational sessions are part of a series of global events supported by the International League of Dermatological Societies and the International Society of Dermatology. They have partnered with CeraVe's “Care for All” initiative to support these regional events, helping to launch the first World Skin Health Day. These activities serve as examples for other organizations or associations to mark the occasion in future years.

“In the past decade, World Skin Health Day has reached more than 42 million people, while providing essential dermatological care to over 190,000 patients in more than 50 countries," said ISD President Dr. Nellie Konnikov. 

"We thank everyone who has contributed to ensuring that World Skin Health Day positively impacts people’s lives. Please join us this year by undertaking skin health-related activities that raise awareness, provide care, or educational opportunities to extend the reach of World Skin Health Day to further benefit individuals and communities around the world.”

For more information, visit World Skin Day and Central Alberta Dermatology Clinic.
 



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