Charity Calls For Local Skin Superstars to Step Into the Spotlight

A national charity is launching a nationwide campaign to help find the men and women who have truly made a difference in the lives of skin disease sufferers in the UK.

Skin disease research charity the British Skin Foundation is searching for those individuals who have excelled in what they do and deserve to be given an award as BSF Skin Superstar of 2010. The charity, which works closely with dermatology departments across the UK, is keen for the specialists to gain some much deserved acknowledgement for their efforts -but need the public’s help in putting forward nominations.

Now’s the chance for patients, parents and carers to show their appreciation for the help and care they have received, whether it was for themselves, their child or a loved one. The awards are part of a year long skin awareness campaign launched by the charity called Respect your Skin, which aims to promote better awareness, particularly in men, children and the elderly, about their skin health.

Skin conditions are now the biggest reason why people in the UK go to see their GP. It is believed that about 54% of the UK population lives with some form of skin condition within any given twelve month period. For many people, if their condition is serious, they will be referred to a dermatologist at their local hospital for treatment which in some cases can last years or even a lifetime. Pain, loss of sleep and even hospitalisation are just some of the common effects skin diseases have, so having someone who understands the condition and knows how to treat and manage it is hugely important.

We’re looking for local General Practitioners, dermatologists or dermatological nurses who have been exceptional in terms of the quality of care and service they have provided in the area. Taking part is easy – simply decide who you want to nominate and why, and then send in your nominations through post or email. The British Skin Foundation will compile all the nominations and a panel consisting of a dermatologist, a BSF staff member and a skin disease sufferer will help choose the winner in mid March 2010.

Matthew Patey, Chief Executive of the British Skin Foundation, says: “At this time of the year, we all feel the effects that the wind and cold has on our skin, especially with the recent snow we’ve had. For some people winter is the worst time of the year for their skin, and they will have spent their Christmas’ and New Year in hospital as a result of their skin disease. Here is a chance to really give something back to the members of staff who have helped the millions in the UK who have some form of skin disease, even if it was in the past. I think it’s important that those working towards better skin health for all get the recognition they deserve.”

Nominations for the Skin Superstar of 2010 will close on March 5th 2010. To get your nomination form, email Bevis bevis@bad.org.uk or visit the website www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk where more information can also be found on the Respect your Skin Campiagn.

Press Release Supplied By health4media.com