Atopic dermatitis and skin infections are a poorly documented crisis in Canada's Indigenous pediatric population: It's time to start the conversation
Rachel N. Asiniwasis, Emma Heck, Asma Amir Ali, Bolu Ogunyemi, Jori Hardin
Abstract
Canadian Indigenous youth continue to face higher rates of health disparities than their non-Indigenous counterparts. In dermatology, this includes a high burden of atopic dermatitis, as well as secondary skin and soft tissue infections. Unfortunately, numerous barriers to treatment exist, including systemic and institutional racism, poverty, crowded housing conditions on reserves, access and cost of basic skin care regimens, and clean water access. As per the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Canadian dermatologists have been called upon to train more First Nations, Metis, and Inuit physicians to ensure we are providing high-quality, anti-racist, culturally appropriate care to Indigenous peoples.