Skin Health Institute

05/06/2026

As part of Awareness Week, we wanted to share some information on treatment options for those with this chronic inflammatory condition.

HS can be very difficult to treat and there is no single treatment that has been shown to be effective for everyone. Affected individuals need to be supervised by a dermatologist with treatment tailored to their needs...

☑️ Lifestyle modifications such as ceasing smoking, losing weight and reducing stress are recommended.

☑️ Mild disease is treated with antibacterial washes and topical antibiotics.

☑️ Acute flare-ups may be managed by oral antibiotics, intralesional corticosteroid injections and /or minor surgical procedures.

☑️ Hormonal therapy and immunomodulatory (immune suppressing) agents can be useful.

☑️ Biological (injectable) therapy can be used for severe, widespread cases.

☑️ Other treatments include retinoids (vitamin A-like drugs) and laser treatment.

☑️ Very severe cases may require radical excisional surgery.

To learn more about this condition, visit our website:
https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/skin-conditions/hidradenitis-suppurativa/

02/06/2026

The first week of June marks Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Week, dedicated to raising awareness of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - a chronic skin condition that can cause painful lumps, abscesses, and tunnel-like scarring under the skin.

At the Skin Health Institute, we are committed to supporting people living with HS through every stage of care, from diagnosis to long-term management. Our dermatology specialists provide expert, individualised treatment tailored to each patient’s needs.

We are also currently recruiting participants for a clinical trial focused on HS. If you would like to learn more, please contact Sarah Chivers at [email protected].

HS Awareness Week is symbolised by wearing purple ribbons, representing solidarity and support for those affected. The initiative aims to improve understanding of HS, challenge misconceptions, and promote earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

Join us in raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and supporting those living with HS.

To learn more about this condition, visit our website:
https://lnkd.in/g8djiNau

01/06/2026

The Skin Health Institute’s National Roadshow with Prof Chris Griffiths kicks off tonight in Melbourne, marking the start of a week-long series of expert insights and discussion across Australia.

We are honoured to welcome Prof Griffiths, a globally renowned dermatologist celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to psoriasis and skin ageing.

We look forward to connecting with our members in each city throughout the week.

• Melbourne – Monday 1 June, supported by UCB Pharmaceuticals
• Adelaide – Tuesday 2 June, proudly supported by Bristol Myers Squibb
• Perth – Wednesday 3 June, proudly supported by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited
• Sydney – Thursday 4 June, proudly supported by AbbVie Australia
• Brisbane – Friday 5 June, proudly supported by Johnson & Johnson

26/05/2026

This month is and we wanted to show our support by sharing some information on the current treatments available...

The first step in treating atopic eczema is avoiding common aggravating factors and following that, topical treatments are the mainstay of managing atopic eczema.

Topical treatments include prescribed medicated gels, creams or ointment and moisturisers in the form of lotions, creams and ointments applied directly to the skin. Wet wraps may be added. Most people respond very well to topical treatments and often do not need any other types of treatment.

Secondary infections from bacteria and viruses are treated with antibiotics and antivirals.

Other treatments given to patients that aren’t responding to topical treatments only include:

- Light treatment (phototherapy)
- Oral medications
- Injectable medications (biologics)

For more information on Eczema, visit our website:
https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/skin-conditions/eczema/

22/05/2026

The 58th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian College of Dermatologists wrapped up in Melbourne this week.

It was great connecting with attendees throughout the meeting and sharing updates across our core pillars of treatment, education, and research. Thank you to everyone who visited the Skin Health Institute booth.

Across the weekend, our team also supported and delivered three incredibly well-attended events, including the 9th Annual Registrar Biologics Masterclass, the inaugural Clinical Immersion Workshop at SHI, and our 13th Annual Patch Test Training Day.

Highlights from the weekend included:

✨ Clinical Trials Fellow Dr Milan van Ammers, alongside Head of Transplant Clinic and Spot Diagnosis Co-Host A/Prof Alvin Chong, and Director of Research A/Prof Peter Foley

✨ Skin Health Institute nurses attending the conference program

✨ The 9th Annual Registrar Biologics Masterclass, presented by Dr Ben Daniels, A/Prof Peter Foley and A/Prof Michelle Rodrigues

✨ Director of Partnerships and Events Carolyn Dimech representing SHI at the booth

✨ A/Prof Rosemary Nixon presenting at the Patch Test Training Day

✨ Director of Clinical Research and Advanced Targeted Therapies Sarah Chivers with former Clinical Trial Fellows and now ACD Fellows Dr Nick Manuelpillai and Dr Charlie Wang

✨ Dr Belinda Welsh presenting at the inaugural Clinical Immersion Workshop at the Skin Health Institute

✨ Clinical Trials Fellow Dr Harmeet Bhullar presenting in the plenary session on Hidradenitis Suppurativa

✨ A/Prof Alvin Chong, Dr Lisa Byrom and Dr Laxmi Iyengar at the SHI booth

✨ Professor Johannes Kern presenting on nail surgery at the Clinical Immersion Workshop

We look forward to seeing you in Adelaide in 2027!

20/05/2026

For International Clinical Trials Day, we asked our Clinical Trials Coordinator, Bailey, what she finds most rewarding about working in clinical trials.

“To me, clinical trials are about investing in the future of healthcare. So many of our patients are suffering with conditions that may not have the most effective treatments available right now but, as a result of their contributions to clinical trials, their children and grandchildren may never have to suffer with the same conditions at all.”

Today, we recognise the dedication of our Clinical Trials team and the patients who contribute to advancing dermatological research and improving future care.

20/05/2026

Celebrating International Clinical Trials Day!

Today, we recognise the incredible work of the Clinical Trials team at the Skin Health Institute and the invaluable contribution of our clinical trial participants. Their dedication plays an essential role in advancing dermatological research and improving patient outcomes.

With more than 30 years of experience, the Skin Health Institute’s clinical trials unit is recognised as a leader in dermatology research in Australia. Having conducted over 200 clinical trials, the unit has contributed to the development of many therapies now widely available to patients across the country.

Led by Associate Professor Peter Foley and Sarah Chivers, our team of experienced nurses, coordinators, support staff and Clinical Trial Research Fellows is committed to delivering innovative treatment options and advancing evidence-based dermatological care.

To learn more about clinical trials at the Skin Health Institute, visit the link below.
https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/clinical-trials/

19/05/2026

The Skin Health Institute is hiring!

We are seeking a dynamic and experiences Cosmetic Nurse (RN) who is excited by the opportunity to lead, grow, and help establish a new aesthetic offering within the Institute.

Apply via the link below

Cosmetic Nurse | Skin Health Institute

19/05/2026

Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic (long-term) skin condition that affects millions of Australians, and with October being , we wanted to share some common triggers that should be avoid, when managing the condition...

The first step in treating atopic eczema is avoiding these aggravating factors:

➡️ Rubbing and scratching
➡️ Skin irritants such as sweat, soaps, detergents, and prickly clothes.
➡️ Long hot showers that can remove the natural oils from the skin and cause moisture loss. It is better to have short, lukewarm (around 32°C) showers.
➡️ Indoor heating dries the skin in winter, and coarse and rough clothing can irritate the skin.
➡️If there are known allergies, avoid or minimise exposure as much as possible.

To learn more about Eczema, visit our website:
https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/skin-conditions/eczema/

15/05/2026

It’s a common myth that you can’t get sunburned on a cloudy day…this is simply not the case.

Even under cloud cover, it’s possible for the sun to harm your skin and eyes and cause long-term damage.

It’s important that you protect yourself with sunscreen, even in cloudy weather.

This month is and we’re raising awareness by busting some common myths when it comes to skin cancer.