A new organisation has been launched to support people with skin conditions.

The Irish Skin Foundation beings together three groups - the Irish Eczema Society, the Psoriasis Association of Ireland and the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Society.

The new body has been established to support, educate and advocate on behalf of people affected by skin conditions and their families and carers.

The new organisation will work in close liaison with the Irish Association of Dermatologists.

It is estimated that more than one-third of the Irish population is living with a skin condition at any time and the incidence of skin problems is rising. Skin problems are the fourth most common reason for visiting a GP in Ireland.

The Irish Skin Foundation aims to provide comprehensive information on skin disease, in addition to support services for patients, their families and carers.

It also aims to set up an Irish registry of skin diseases, to establish new education and awareness programmes, to promote research into these diseases, and to advocate on behalf of patients.