Awareness roadshow targets UAE pharmacists

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These meetings have been developed specifically for pharmacists in the region, and the organisers hope that by raising awareness of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fungal infections, such as Athlete's Foot, treatment can be improved and the UAE will experience a reduction in the number of cases.

'The aim of the roadshow is to raise awareness amongst pharmacists of the manifestation of fungal infections in the Middle East, which can be quite different to their occurrence in Europe and the USA,' said Dr Giles Lestringant, Consultant Dermatologist, Clinical Associate Professor, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, who is speaking at the event. 'About 10% of our patients are suffering from fungal infection. However, the true number of people with the condition in the UAE is likely to be much higher, as few people recognize the appearance of fungal infection or actively seek treatment.

'Dermatology is a very visual science, so this roadshow will give us an opportunity to show pharmacists what to look for, as well as examples of successful treatment,' added Dr Lestringant.

Athlete's Foot is a contagious fungal skin infection, which can occur between the toes and on the bottom or sides of the feet. The infection usually appears in the form of irritating spots and is often accompanied by painful cracking, itching and a burning sensation. 'In the UAE we see Tinea Pedis (commonly known as Athlete's Foot, Two-web or Two-left infection), of the foot, occurring as a result of failure to dry the area between the toes properly after washing and from walking barefoot in public places. In Europe and the USA, this infection more commonly occurs from hot sweaty feet caused by wearing closed shoes,' explained Dr Lestringant.

A Pharmacy Training Pack, developed by Novartis Consumer Health to support the roadshow, will give further information to help pharmacists and their assistants to understand more about Athlete's Foot prevention and treatment.

'We have developed this initiative to help pharmacists, and ultimately their customers, to understand more about recognizing, treating and preventing re-infection of Athlete's Foot,' said Dr Lina Al Kouatly, General Manager of Novartis Consumer Health. 'Unfortunately, few people talk openly about fungal infections, but we hope that the Lamisil Pharmacist Awareness Roadshow will encourage more people to talk about the condition and help pharmacists to identify, diagnose and offer effective treatment for Athlete's Foot.'

The first meeting, entitled The Superficial Fungal Infections and the efficacy of Lamisil in their treatment, was chaired by Dr Essa Al Mansori, Federal Director of Pharmacy and Drug Control Administration, and took place in Abu Dhabi on September 12 2001. The Lamisil Pharmacist's roadshow will also be visiting Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah over the coming weeks, before travelling to other GCC countries.