§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) children and (b) adults suffer from eczema; and what plans he has to tackle this. [75566]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 21 October 2002]: Eczema is a very common condition, with prevalence estimated as eight to twenty per cent, for children and two to ten per cent, for adults: one to two and a half million and one to four million respectively in England and Wales. Most cases in children are of mild to moderate severity but eczema can, in some circumstances, cause severe morbidity in adults.
The action on dermatology programme (AoD) has been looking at how services are organised and the resources used and this should help in the management of eczema. It is expected that the dermatology guidance will be published soon. Around £35 million has been awarded for AoD capital projects.