Skin Health Institute

01/09/2025

Do you have moderate to severe acne?

The Skin Health Institute is conducting a new clinical research study exploring the potential benefits of an injectable vaccine treatment for facial acne, and you may be eligible to take part.

We’re currently seeking men and women aged 18 - 45 with moderate to severe acne to help us improve future treatment options for this condition.

Participants will receive expert care from our experienced dermatology research team, with no cost to take part and all study-related expenses reimbursed.

Interested in taking part?

Contact our Trial Manager, Sarah, at schivers@skinhealthinstitute.org.au or
register your interest here:
https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/clinical-trials/current-trials/do-you-have-acne/

This study has been approved by the Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee.

29/08/2025

We held our 8th Annual Skin Health Education Day on Saturday 23 August in Melbourne, bringing together 62 attendees for a full day of education and discussion on current and emerging issues in dermatology and skin health.

The program covered a wide range of topics, including acne, melanoma, hair loss, AI in dermatology, allergic contact dermatitis, wound care, and more, providing attendees with practical insights and evidence-based updates to support clinical practice.

We would like to thank the ODREC team, in particular Amanda Palmer and A/Prof Rosemary Nixon AM for their invaluable contributions to the program and delivery of the event.

We also would like to acknowledge our presenters for sharing their expertise and our sponsors for their continued support in making this event possible each year.

26/08/2025

The Skin Health Institute, together with our Director of Research A/Prof Peter Foley, was recently featured on 7NEWS highlighting a groundbreaking collaboration with the University of Melbourne, where a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool is transforming the way skin cancer is detected.

Unlike traditional methods that rely on visual inspections and biopsies, this handheld, non-invasive technology integrates AI with thermal multimodal imaging to identify abnormal lesions in real time. In a recent pilot study conducted at SHI, the tool achieved an impressive 94 per cent diagnostic accuracy, with clinicians and patients praising its ease of use and clinical value.

This innovation has the potential to save lives through earlier detection, reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies performed each year, cut healthcare costs, and improve equity by working effectively across all skin tones. Importantly, it could also increase access to care for rural and remote communities where specialist services are limited.

Congratulations to Dr Noor E Karishma Shaik, A/Prof Peter Foley, and the research team on this exciting step forward in dermatological innovation.

You can view the full 7NEWS feature via the link:

Melbourne researchers are using artificial intelligence to transform the way skin cancer is detected. The new handheld tool can save time and money while pre...

20/08/2025

Introducing the latest episode of the Spot Diagnosis Podcast: Social Media and Misinformation.

Social media is increasing used as a source of health advice, yet misinformation remains a serious concern. What kind of information are young people learning about on TikTok? Are they able to discern fact from fiction? How do we approach misinformation in patients?

In this episode, we dissect these issues alongside three special guests: Dr Wonie Uahwatanasakul, Professor Margie Danchin and Dr Laxmi Iyengar.

You can listen to the episode via the link below.
https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/spot-diagnosis/social-media-and-misinformation/

We would like to thank our Institute Partner, Melbourne Pathology, for their support of the Spot Diagnosis Podcast.

18/08/2025

Join us online for our next Clinical Treatment Series on alopecia areata this Wednesday 20 August, 7 - 8pm AEST.

Led by specialist dermatologist, A/Prof Aaron Robinson and facilitated by Dr Milan van Ammers, this session will explore hair anatomy and physiology, the pathophysiology of alopecia areata, and practical strategies to improve diagnosis and treatment of the condition in clinical practice.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your knowledge and skills in managing alopecia areata.

Secure your spot now via the link below: https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/event/clinical-treatment-series-hair-2/

A special thank you to our partner Johnson & Johnson for supporting this event.

15/08/2025

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, an important opportunity to raise awareness of a common yet often misunderstood autoimmune skin condition that affects around 2–3% of Australians and can significantly impact both physical and emotional well-being.

At the Skin Health Institute, we are committed to addressing psoriasis through our three pillars: expert treatment, accessible education and ongoing research.

Our clinicians provide personalised, evidence-based care for patients, considering the latest therapies to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Looking ahead, our Clinical Trial Team will soon open recruitment for a new psoriasis study, furthering our commitment to advancing dermatological research and finding innovative solutions in psoriasis care.

🎙 Podcast spotlight: Our latest Spot Diagnosis episode, An Update on Psoriasis, revisits a topic we first covered over five years ago. Associate Professor Peter Foley shares how treatment options have expanded, including the development of new therapies, and offers expert insights into three real-world clinical scenarios.
Listen via the link: https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/spot-diagnosis/update-on-psoriasis/

This Psoriasis Awareness Month, let’s stand together to support those affected, share knowledge and promote compassionate, effective care.

24/07/2025

Don’t miss out on the 2025 Skin Health Education Day - our biggest education event of the year tailored for nurses, GPs and pharmacists!

For one week only, we’re offering discounted tickets as part of a limited flash sale - the perfect opportunity to upskill and stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of dermatology.

Join leading dermatologists and skin health experts as they share the latest research, treatment approaches, and clinical insights into both common and complex skin conditions. Topics will include wounds and dressings, scar treatments, hair loss, AI in dermatology, facial rashes, atopic dermatitis, topical corticosteroids and withdrawal, allergic contact dermatitis, psoriasis and more.

This comprehensive full-day event will be led by A/Prof Rosemary Nixon AM and is specifically designed for healthcare professionals working in dermatology.

Spots are limited, don’t miss the flash sale! Register now via the link below.
https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/event/skin-health-education-day-2025/

15/07/2025

Introducing the latest episode of the Spot Diagnosis Podcast: An Update on Psoriasis.
Psoriasis was the focus of our second Spot Diagnosis episode over five years ago. Since that time, the treatment landscape has expanded considerably, with the development of new oral agents and biologic therapies.

In this episode, we are joined once again by Associate Professor Peter Foley who provides a comprehensive update on current treatment strategies and provides a suggested treatment approach to three clinical scenarios.

You can listen to the episode via the link below.
https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/spot-diagnosis/update-on-psoriasis/

We would like to thank our Institute Partner, Melbourne Pathology, for their support of the Spot Diagnosis Podcast and our sponsor for this episode, Leo Pharma.

30/06/2025

Register now for the 2025 Skin Health Education Day!

Leading dermatologists and skin care professionals will offer valuable insights into the latest developments in dermatology. They will also provide education and training on diagnosing and treating various common skin conditions.

The event will encompass a range of topics including wounds, dressings and scar treatments, hair loss, AI in dermatology, atopic dermatitis, facial rashes, topical corticosteriods and steroid withdrawal, allergic contact dermatitis, psoriasis and many more.

The day is specifically tailored for nurses and will be guided by A/Prof Rosemary Nixon AM.

Click the link below to register.
https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/event/skin-health-education-day-2025/

25/06/2025

The Skin Health Institute supports the global vitiligo community this World Vitiligo Day.

June 25 is an opportunity to acknowledge the experiences of people living with vitiligo, including the social and psychological challenges that can accompany the condition.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition where white blood cells (T cell lymphocytes) and inflammatory chemicals destroy melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment, leading to white patches on the skin. It affects around 1.2% of the global population and can begin at any age, in any gender, and across all ethnicities.

Our Vitiligo Clinic offers comprehensive care through clinical assessments, treatment options, patient education, and support services.

We also cover vitiligo in more detail in the Hypopigmentation episode of our Spot Diagnosis podcast.

On World Vitiligo Day, we aim to increase awareness and understanding of this condition and support efforts to improve outcomes for those affected.

23/06/2025

June marks Acne Awareness Month - a vital initiative to highlight a common, yet often misunderstood skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide and has a significant impact on individuals of all ages.

Acne is more than just a skin concern, it can seriously affect a person’s self-esteem, confidence, and emotional well-being. At the Skin Health Institute, we are committed to addressing acne through expert treatment, accessible education, and ongoing research.

Our Acne Clinic is dedicated to helping patients with moderate to severe acne through personalised, evidence-based care. From guiding them in choosing the right skincare products to prescribing medications or suggesting lifestyle adjustments, we consider various factors to provide comprehensive care.

Looking ahead, our Clinical Trial Team will soon begin recruiting participants for an upcoming acne vaccine study - part of our continued commitment to advancing dermatological research and developing innovative solutions in acne care.

This Acne Awareness Month, let’s come together to support those affected, share knowledge and promote compassionate, effective care.

20/06/2025

Introducing the latest episode of the Spot Diagnosis Podcast: Communication and the Art of Medicine.

Every interaction we make as doctors depends on communication - yet we rarely pause to reflect on how we’re actually doing it. How can we improve our everyday conversations with patients? How can we break bad news with compassion? And how should we respond to alternative health beliefs that challenge evidence-based medicine?

In this episode, we explore these questions with oncologist and author Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM.

Listen to this episode via link below.
https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/spot-diagnosis/communication-and-the-art-of-medicine/

We would like to thank our Institute Partner, Melbourne Pathology, for their support of the Spot Diagnosis Podcast.