Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to findings of the report by Allergy UK entitled Not Just Skin Deep, published in November 2021, on the proportion of clinical commissioning groups that had an adult eczema commissioning policy in 2021, whether her Department is taking steps to help ensure that integrated care systems develop (a) referral and (b) commissioning policies for (i) atopic dermatitis and (ii) other skin conditions.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) publishes guidance on atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions, which commissioners are expected to take into account. The guideline for atopic dermatitis in those aged under 12 years old is being updated, with draft recommendations to be published in April 2023. A referral has also been made to NICE to develop a new guidance on atopic dermatitis in adults.

Integrated care boards (ICB) are responsible for working with local commissioners and organisations to understand the needs of the local population and commission services to meet those needs, including for patients with atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions. ICBs have a legal duty to have due regard to NICE’s guidelines.