British Skin Foundation
Leading the fight against skin disease
An update from Team BSF This past year the British Skin Foundation has continued to advocate for people with all types of skin disease, focusing on raising money for our grassroots research programme. We’re also dedicated to educating the wider world on all things related to skin health. We understand that those affected by skin disease suffer from both the physical and psychological effects of living with a chronic condition. Skin problems can affect everything from relationships to careers, confidence, and education. This is why our team is always exploring new ways to provide help and guidance to the public. In response to increasing requests for private dermatologist recommendations, this summer we launched an interactive map on our website that highlights some of the private clinics and consultants that are available across the UK. Our map is growing by the day as more clinics become part of this initiative. Find out more on page four. As usual, we want to shout out to our amazing supporters for taking on some of the toughest challenges and creating some innovative fundraisers, which contribute to the latest research (from page six). We are extremely grateful for your support! If you’re reading this and considering raising money for us, our team will be with you all the way, providing guidance and resources for success!
Our website now hosts key information for those suffering with their mental health due to their skin condition. We’ve assembled a brand new ‘Skin and Mind’ section with our experts exploring relevant topics and providing userfriendly advice. We’ve summarised some of the basics on page 17. Following last-year’s appointment of Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice as our Patron, we had the opportunity to showcase some of the research funded by British Skin Foundation scientists tackling rising skin cancer numbers in the UK. Find out more about Princess Beatrice’s visit to London’s prestigious Blizard Institute at Queen Mary University of London on page five. Thank you for your continued support and for taking the time to keep up with our research. We still need your help to find treatments and cures for those who suffer with skin conditions. If you can, please donate to us in 2024. If you can’t then you can still help our cause by following our social media channels, signing up to our newsletter and telling your friends about our work.
Matthew Patey OBE British Skin Foundation Chief Executive Officer
Meet our team Phil Brady Chief Operating Officer
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Sarah Clinch Office Manager
Lisa Bickerstaffe Head of Communications
Sarah Thorne Research Officer
Kelly Taylor Events & Partnerships Manager
Emma Daniel Trusts & Legacies Officer
Tejal Depala Social Media & Communications Officer
With a passion for fundraising and a wealth of experience working with our supporters, our Events & Partnerships Manager, Kelly, has collated her stand-out events for 2024. Whether you prefer to run, trek or cycle – there’s something in this list for you! Click for more info or get in touch with kelly@britishskinfoundation.org.uk. We’ll provide all the resources to help you make your challenge a success, including your own BSF t-shirt.
Running
Treks
Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon 24th March
National Three Peaks Challenge 17th-19th May
Leeds Running Festival 21st April
The Alps Trek 12th-16th June
Birmingham Running Festival 12th May
Ben Nevis at Night 31st-1st September
Hackney Half 19th May
Spanish Three Peaks 19th-23rd September
Edinburgh Running Festival 25th May
Peru Inca Trail 1st-10th November
Southampton Running Festival 16th June
Cycling London to Amsterdam 4th-9th September Cycle Thailand 8th-17th November
Stay in touch @BSFcharity britishskinfoundation.org.uk British Skin Foundation, 4 Fitzroy Square, London, W1T 5HQ General enquiries admin@britishskinfoundation.org.uk 020 7391 6341 Share your story press@britishskinfoundation.org.uk 020 7391 6347
Donate
britishskinfoundation.org.uk/ appeal/donate Fundraising and events events@britishskinfoundation.org.uk Grants and research admin@britishskinfoundation.org.uk Corporate enquiries partnerships@britishskinfoundation.org.uk 3
Find a private dermatologist The British Skin Foundation has launched a new resource to help people find board-certified consultant dermatologists. Whilst we always recommend speaking to your GP in the first instance to see if you can be referred on the NHS, we know that sometimes people prefer the private route. Since the pandemic, even more patients than before reach out to us for trusted consultants at dermatologist-led clinics. Search by address for the nearest private clinic! Please note that this is not an exhaustive map of every private dermatologist or private dermatology clinic in the UK. We are adding to the map on a regular basis, please check back at a later date if you are unable to find a clinic near you.
knowyourskin.org.uk/clinic
Search by location
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Explore clinics near you
Filter by skin condition
A royal visit In her first engagement as Patron of the British Skin Foundation, HRH Princess Beatrice visited London’s prestigious Blizard Institute at Queen Mary University, London to see first-hand how scientists are tackling rising skin cancer numbers in the UK. BSF-funded scientists including Professor Edel O’Toole and Professor Catherine Harwood were able to show the Princess around the Centre for Cell Biology & Cutaneous Research, highlighting their vital work tackling the UK’s most common cancer.
On becoming our Patron Princess Beatrice said
‘ I am so pleased to be able to support the work of the British Skin Foundation. I have admired their work and research for many years, and they have helped so many people through the foundation’s pioneering efforts. I am grateful to be working with them, to learn as much as I can about their groundbreaking endeavours.’
The BSF’s Matthew Patey and Princess Beatrice
British Skin Foundation CEO, Matthew Patey OBE added,
‘ HRH Princess Beatrice’s support will continue to bring an invaluable focus on the important work we do in trying to alleviate suffering of those with skin conditions.’ During her visit, the Princess also had the opportunity to meet Nicky Ewart, a skin cancer survivor and supporter of the British Skin Foundation. Nicky talked about her initial fears upon diagnosis, which later fuelled her passion for raising funds to support the foundation’s research.
Princess Beatrice signs the guestbook with BSF’s Matthew Patey and the Blizard Institutes Professor Catherine Harwood
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Running for research Ask any serious runner and they’ll tell you that the London Marathon is high on their to-do list. The coveted race through the streets of the capital, past iconic landmarks to the cheers of the crowds is increasingly hard to get a place in. Some might say it’s the Glastonbury of marathons! Professor Sinéad Langan has bagged a place in 2024, taking on her first ever marathon to raise funds for our skin disease research programme. Working as a Consultant Dermatologist at the renowned St John’s Institute at Guys Hospital in London, Sinéad is deeply aware of how skin conditions can affect individuals and their families. As well as providing expert care for those burdened with skin problems, Sinéad also leads the fight against skin disease through her academic research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
She explains —
Sinéad, we’re so excited that you’re running the marathon for the BSF!
‘ Despite their burden, skin diseases remain neglected in terms of research funding.’
I am honoured to represent the BSF to raise essential funds for skin disease research. I have made a great start on my preparation for the marathon.
She continues,
If you had unlimited funding and resources for a research project, what would you tackle first?
‘ Skin diseases, particularly when they are severe, can affect all aspects of peoples’ lives. Many of these diseases are not curable, and despite major advances in treatments, there is still a lot of work to be done to improve outcomes for people with skin disease.’ 6
We’ve caught up with Sinéad, to find out more about her motivations and love for science!
Right now, with major innovation in new interventions for skin diseases a key priority is to ensure the right person gets the right treatment. It is critical that we have good evidence to support our practice in terms of holistic care and improving outcomes for patients and the public. From an epidemiological perspective, identifying strategies to prevent severe skin diseases and adverse outcomes at a population level is a key priority.
What’s the most unexpected or bizarre thing you’ve ever encountered in your research?
What is your proudest career breakthrough in your academic research?
One of the most striking observations relates to the wider health effects of severe adult eczema, for example, risk of fractures. We have highlighted that adults with eczema are a group who need holistic care. We have also explored this in terms of how eczema affects people through workshops around the country involving art and digital storytelling. This ended with a national tour of hospitals in 2023 to increase awareness amongst the healthcare practitioners, the public and policymakers.
I led a collaboration which started during the pandemic bringing together a large team of multidisciplinary scientists working across immune mediated inflammatory diseases including skin, bowel, and joint disease. We utilised a team science approach to use routine data providing answers for clinicians, patients and policy makers about COVID risks.
If you could collaborate with any scientist, alive or dead, who would it be and why? Rather than picking one person, when there are so many outstanding scientists to choose from, I would love to collaborate with people from contexts that are less well represented in the literature. Most of our insights into the need for holistic care in skin diseases comes from high income countries. We need to get high quality data from other contexts, e.g., the global South. This is critical to achieve the British Association of Dermatologists ‘Healthy Skin for All’ goals, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine’s mission of improving health and health equity worldwide.
Currently, what areas of dermatological research are the most exciting? The area I find fascinating remains the insights we can get from health data. These have played a huge role in scientific discoveries to date but are relatively underutilised. Right now, we are not fully benefitting from the full breadth of health data including data from electronic records, linked to data from wearables, molecular information and patient reported measures. What would you say to anyone considering a career in dermatology research? Dermatology research is a fantastic career! There are so many different areas you can work in, from basic science to clinical trial and translation. There will be many challenges but huge opportunities to make a difference for people with skin diseases. If you had a time machine, which scientific discovery would you travel back to witness? I’m an epidemiologist, it has to be back to the time of John Snow to see how shoe leather epidemiology helped halt the cholera epidemic long before any understanding of the molecular basis for cholera. I see a replica of the original pump handle every day when I go into my research office. Finally, do you have any pre-marathon rituals or superstitions for race day?
‘With major innovation in new interventions for skin diseases a key priority is to ensure the right person gets the right treatment.’
I have never done a marathon, but for half marathons I stick to tried and tested everything from breakfast to footwear, never try anything new on race day! 7
Fundraisers of 2023 Taking on the skin cancer fight in memory of mum Eight years ago, Francesca Tallant tragically lost her mum to skin cancer. In a touching annual tradition, she hosts coffee mornings and sells baking boxes. So far, she has raised over £7,000 towards tackling the devastating disease. Hartbury FE Rugby Academy
Pedalling for a purpose In a tribute to their late colleague, Andrew Beacham, who bravely battled skin cancer, the Hartpury FE Rugby Academy created an epic challenge to raise money for research. Andrew’s legacy, rooted in establishing opportunities for sporting students included a popular annual South African rugby tour.
Francesca’s dedication goes beyond fundraising; she actively spreads awareness about skin cancer, inspired by the knowledge gained from the British Skin Foundation. Thanks to Francesca’s efforts and the information provided by our charity, several of her family and friends have had cancerous moles identified and removed in time.
The academy honoured Andrew’s memory with a remarkable 48-hour indoor cycle challenge, raising over £1,200. The ride covered 9,983 km, symbolically retracing the journey from Hartpury to Kearsney College in Durban, via Hilversum in Holland – the route undertaken by students on Andrew’s South African rugby tour. Francesca’s coffee morning
Diving into action for skin health The Dowling Club is a charitable organisation dedicated to the advancement of study, practice, and research in the field of dermatology. They will be taking the plunge into Lake Windermere in summer 2024, swimming a mile in open water to raise money for skin research. President and trustee of the Dowling Club, Nick Levell, hopes that the Great North Swim will be a fantastic opportunity to unite efforts and champion the work of the British Skin Foundation. 8
Shaping inclusive medical education In a unique initiative, junior doctors are raising money for the British Skin Foundation with a skin of colour lecture series. Led by final year medical student Vaseharan Suntharan in collaboration with the dermatology societies of six London institutions, it has raised £500 and counting through lecture sign-ups and bake sales.
Ed Birchmore at Land’s End
Ed Birchmore’s journey for healthy skin Driven by a desire to make a positive impact after watching those close to him battle skin conditions, Ed laced up his boots and set off on a 36-day longdistance walk from Lowestoft to Lands’ End. He covered a monumental 572 miles, raising over £3,500 for the British Skin Foundation. Ed’s unique route was crafted by stitching together established national trails and footpaths. Camping along the way, he carried everything from tent to toothbrush, immersing himself in the scenery and connecting with fascinating people on his journey!
Comprising nine virtual lectures accessible through a donation, the series emphasises the importance of understanding the diversity in skin presentations, sparking an important conversation about inclusive medical education. The project aims not just to educate healthcare students but to inspire them to stand up for transformation, continually seeking further knowledge to enhance patient care. The BSF would like to thank all the dermatology students at University College London, King’s College London, Barts and the London, St George’s University London, and Imperial College London for their continued and muchvalued support.
As he walked, Ed shared his daily experiences on social media, using the hashtag #L2L, without relying on traditional power sources to ensure a low carbon footprint. Morayo Ogungbesan and Vaseharan Suntharan of St George’s University
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A huge thanks to the next generation of dermatologists Battle of the DermSocs (BOTDS) is an annual contest between university dermatological societies, (aka DermSocs) to raise the most money for skin disease research. DermSoc members include medical students and junior doctors. Taking the trophy for 2022-2023 are junior doctors from Glasgow DermSoc, who raised over £1,000 for our charity. Also honoured for their efforts, Birmingham DermSoc took Best Social Media Award, with Edinburgh & Liverpool dermatology societies taking Most Creative Award. Matthew Patey OBE, Chief Executive Officer of the British Skin Foundation sends his personal thanks to all the teams that took part. ‘We know there are great stresses for junior doctors, now more than ever. So, it’s heartening to see the next generation of dermatologists willing to dedicate their limited free time to support future skin research. Thank you to all the teams and ambassadors who have been the driving force behind this competition.’
Birmingham DermSoc bake sale
Dr Ewa Kloczko, Dr Sukhjit Dhariwal, Dr Manpreet Sagoo, Dr Giulia Rinaldi, Dr Olivia Knowles and Dr Lucy Mackie have been instrumental in the success of BOTDS. The competition begins again in the 2024-2025 academic year. Brands interested in supporting the future of UK dermatology can get in touch by contacting partnerships@britishskinfundation.org.uk.
Interested in taking on your own challenge? Find our top picks on page three! Want to chat about fundraisers? Email events@britishskinfoundation.org.uk.
Denham Golf Club swings into action! Skin cancer survivor Nicky Ewart used her position as Lady Captain at Denham Golf Club to organise a fundraiser for the British Skin Foundation. The ‘Captain’s Day’ was a huge success, reflecting the club’s shared commitment to supporting vital research and educating its members on the dangers of skin cancer. With more events in the running, follow our social media pages @BSFcharity for updates from Nicky and the club. Please get in touch if your golf club would like to support our work. Lady Captain’s Day 2023 - Nicky Ewart Men’s Captain John Aldersley
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Research in progress Across the UK we have researchers at top institutions working hard to fight skin disease. The money you donate is helping to beat skin cancer, manage chronic conditions like psoriasis, investigate rare skin problems and even tackle the psychological effects of skin conditions.
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Ongoing projects in 14 locations across the UK. There are over 2,000 different skin diseases to tackle. £19,500,000 given out to quality projects since 1996. 2 in 3 people will suffer from skin disease. 70% of Britons have visible skin conditions or scars that affect their confidence. Over 450 studies funded. Hundreds of scientists dedicated to better patient outcomes.
2 in 3
people will suffer from skin disease.
70%
of Britons have visible skin conditions or scars that affect their confidence.
Dundee
Glasgow
Dublin
Newcastle
>2000
Bradford
different skin diseases to tackle.
Manchester
Hull
Lincoln Birmingham
Nottingham South Warwickshire
Bath
Oxford
Middlesex
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Cambridge
London
Leave a gift in your will and support future breakthroughs! Skin conditions affect millions across the UK, ranging from manageable issues like eczema and acne to life-threatening conditions such as melanoma skin cancer. Shockingly, two out of three Brits have faced the challenges of skin diseases, impacting not only their physical well-being but also taking a toll on their emotional health. The British Skin Foundation is on a mission to make a positive change.
Legacies Officer, Emma Daniel explains,
‘ Since 1996, we have been at the forefront of the battle against skin disease and skin cancer, championing over 450 high-quality research projects in top hospitals and universities across the UK. Despite the skin being the body’s largest organ, research into skin diseases is significantly underfunded. With no statutory funding, the BSF relies on generous donations from dedicated supporters to ensure the continuity of vital skin research.’
Will you stand with us in the fight against skin disease? If you share our belief that everyone deserves a life free from the burden of skin disease, we invite you to consider supporting the BSF as part of your life’s legacy. Your contribution can make a lasting impact by providing essential funds to UK researchers, empowering them to lead the charge against skin disease. Together, we can look towards a future of healthy skin for everyone. For more information, speak to your solicitor or contact emma@britishskinfoundation.org.uk.
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Looking after your skin like a dermatologist Have you ever wanted to ask an expert how they look after their own skin? Well, we’ve done it for you! Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Derrick Phillips shares his top five tips for healthy skin.
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1. Daily application of sunscreen A good sunscreen has a place in every skincare routine and should be applied throughout the year, and not just during the summer months. Sunscreens protect against harmful UV radiation that directly damages keratinocyte DNA and degrades key structural proteins in the skin. Chronic exposure to UVA induces hyperpigmentation, collagen breakdown and is responsible for 80% of the signs of skin ageing. A broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50 with 5-star UVA protection) should be the last step in your morning routine and will provide a defensive shield against the development skin cancer, and photoaging.
2. Moisturise twice a day Moisturising the skin at least twice a day will ensure that it remains well hydrated, supple, and less prone to dryness and irritation. Lotions may be preferred during the summer months, whilst thicker creams and ointments rich in humectants (e.g. hyaluronic acid, glycerin and urea) and occlusives (e.g. petroleum jelly) may be more suitable for the challenges of the winter months.
3. Avoid hot showers and baths Indulging in hot baths and showers may be tempting as we enter the colder months, however, they can have a detrimental impact on the skin barrier. Hot water strips away natural oils from the skin, increasing transepidermal water loss, leading to dryness and irritation.
4. E xfoliate once or twice weekly Gentle exfoliation with alpha or beta hydroxy acids encourages shedding of cells from the stratum corneum, unveiling smoother and more radiant skin beneath. Gentle exfoliation can help to address hyperpigmentation, fine lines and improve skin texture.
5. Vitamin C Vitamin C is a versatile ingredient that should be incorporated into your daily routine. It is a potent antioxidant and helps to protect against the harmful effects of free radicals generated by exposure to UV radiation and pollution. Vitamin C plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of collagen, and effectively brightens the skin by interfering with tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the production of melanin.
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Skin: Below the Surface, a collaboration with ITN Business We know that skin disease doesn’t just affect the skin, it can affect a person’s mental health too. This is why we teamed up with ITN Business for a programme about the psychological effects of skin disease. Anchored by presenter and journalist Louise Minchin from the ITN London Studio, ‘Skin: Below the Surface’ highlighted often overlooked psychological consequences of skin conditions, empathising the need for support. With expert insights from Clinical Psychologist Dr Eleanor Chatburn and Consultant Dermatologist Dr Mary Sommerlad, the programme raised awareness and more importantly provided advice for people suffering. Catch up at britishskinfoundation. org.uk/skin-below-the-surface to hear from normal people as they share their experiences and the latest innovations in skin health. The British Skin Foundation would like to thank all our partners, experts and contacts for taking part in this important project.
Louise Minchin
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Dr Eleanor Chatburn and Dr Mary Sommerlad
Joti shares her vitiligo story
Looking after your mental health If your skin condition is affecting your mental health, do you know where to turn? Here are our top tips to find some support. sk your GP or dermatologist if there are any A local services that offer psychological support. For example, talking therapies, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling.
Useful links
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egional and national psychodermatology services R exist if you can’t find something suitable locally.
Who can help with skin and mental health?
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I n some areas you can self-refer to an NHS service called Let’s Talk IAPT.
Self-harm and the skin
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I f you aren’t getting the access to the services you need, you can ask your GP or dermatologist to refer you for a second opinion.
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ake sure that you access information from M credible sources such as the NHS or trusted charities relevant to your specific skin condition.
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Avoid trawling through search engines that may have sponsored or unregulated advice that can be expensive.
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Be careful about following ‘experts’ on social media. You can check the General Medical Council’s register for GP’s and Consultant Dermatologists, or the Health & Care Professions Council register for Psychologists.
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Here are some resources that may be helpful. What is psychodermatology?
Know Your Skin – an A-Z Private dermatologists
Remember! There are treatments available for most skin conditions, you don’t need to suffer in silence.
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Know Your Skin Directory knowyourskin.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/condition/
Visit our A-Z page
Enter your symptoms
Discover possible conditions
Learn more about your condition
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