Atopic dermatitis hereditary, 'prevalent; among Inuit and Saami

While one in five Canadians are affected by the skin condition known as eczema or dermatitis, among the Inuit of Nunavut, the incidence runs as high as one in three.

Perhaps it's appropriate, therefore, that the first major gathering in Nunavut of medical practitioners to focus on the health of Nunavummiut was a meeting of dermatologists.

Eighteen of the skin specialists from the Ottawa Dermatological Society gathered in Iqaluit in September for one of their semi-annual meetings. They discussed the latest findings on conditions and diseases of the skin, shared presentations on their research, and held joint consultations with some of the patients at the Qikiqtani Regional Hospital.

"Atopic dermatitis" is the main type of eczema occurring among the Inuit, said Dr. Robert Jackson, who has been coming to Baffin Island for over a decade to do dermatological consultations, and who invited the Ottawa group to hold its meeting in Iqaluit.

"It's genetically determined; it tends to run in families," explained Jackson.

And because of the isolation of the area, it has become more concentrated over succeeding generations. He noted that atopic dermatitis is also particularly common among the Saami of northern Finland, another isolated northern people.

Stress can cause it to flare up, he noted.

The Canadian Dermatology Association, which used the Iqaluit meeting to launch its national Eczema Awareness Campaign, says atopic dermatitis usually starts in infants and young children and is characterized by itchy, inflamed skin, often behind the knees, on the inside of the elbows, and on face, neck and hands – sometimes with fluid-filled bumps that ooze and crust. It is often accompanied by asthma or hay fever.

Other types of eczema may be caused by an allergic reaction to substances such as poison ivy or even nickel, by contact with chemicals such as strong soaps that damage the outer skin, or anything that dries or irritates the skin.

"Eczema is a common problem in the fall and winter," says Dr. Larry Warshawski, president of the Canadian Dermatology Association in a media release. "With lower humidity from indoor heating, the skin dries out and becomes irritated faster."

The season also brings an increase in triggers like hot showers and wool sweaters.

Eczema can cause people to miss work and often interrupts sleep, affecting school and work performance, says the association. It is not contagious, and although it cannot be cured, it can be controlled.

More information on causes, symptoms and treatment can be found at www.eczemacanada.ca.

While in Iqaluit, the dermatologists honoured Dr. Jackson, a former president of the Canadian Dermatology Association who still has an office in Ottawa, for his 10 years of medical service to eastern Nunavut.

"I was flattered," he said, "but there are a lot of other doctors who do this kind of thing."

Besides visiting Iqaluit, Jackson has also been to Kimmirut, Arctic Bay and Pangnirtung. He also does telephone consultations with doctors in Nunavut from his Ottawa office.

"I know the problems up here," he said. "I often know the individual cases. I also know what they have and do not have available in terms of medication, and what they can order."

He noted there is a higher turnover in doctors since he began coming here 10 years ago, which makes continuity of treatment more difficult. Jackson is nearing retirement, but Dr. Jacqueline Shukle has been accompanying him on recent visits here, and will eventually take over his work, "so there will be continuity."

While most of the dermatologists at the Iqaluit meeting were from the Ottawa area, the group also included delegates from New Brunswick, Montreal and the Ontario communities of Belleville and Kitchener.