University News Last updated 12 September
Dozens of commuters at Birmingham’s New Street Station were able to get some top advice about eczema from an expert in skin health at Birmingham City University (BCU).
Professor Fiona Cowdell and a team from the University of Nottingham (UoN) joined forces last weekend to give self-care advice and free resources to almost 70 passersby.
Eczema is a long-term condition that causes itchy, dry, sore and cracked skin. Around one in five children and one in 12 adults have eczema, which requires a lot of self-care.
“This event was a fantastic opportunity for us to share valuable information that will help people to care for their eczema,” said Professor Cowdell, who is collaborating with the UoN on a new research project to find out more about eczema and how it can be treated.
“A huge amount of money is spent on eczema research, but new information from trials does not always reach the people who could benefit most from it.
“Going out and about allows us to share new eczema knowledge with a wide community in ways that people can use it to help improve their skin condition.”
Feedback from the public was overwhelmingly positive, with many people describing the open event informative, useful, and friendly.
The free resources shared at the event can be accessed online:
- The Dragon in my Skin: a children’s book, animation, song, and teacher pack. Professor Cowdell led the creation as part of Eczema Mindlines research, funded by the National Institute for Health Research.
- Eczema Care Online top tips for living well.
The team also shared details about ongoing eczema research. Join the Rapid Eczema Trials Citizen Science Community to discover the latest findings and/or sign up for trials.