Canadas first Indigenous dermatologist, Rachel Asiniwasis
For connecting indigenous communities to dermatology care
The skin is a manifestation of internal and external health, says Indigenous dermatologist Rachel Asiniwasis, who grew up in Regina and is of Plains Cree, Saulteaux and English heritage. Because medical dermatology is an underserviced industry across Canada and especially in Indigenous communitiesmany people arent getting the treatments they need, she says. Theres one skin condition in particular that Asiniwasis keeps seeing in her research and in the patients who visit her Regina clinic: atopic dermatitis, also commonly known as eczema. Symptoms include itchy and painful inflammation of the skin that can cause redness, crustiness, seeping fluid and bleeding. If the condition is poorly controlled, says Asiniwasis, it can have a huge impact on quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, insomnia, ADHD and risk of suicide.Because there isnt enough research on the genetic predisposition of Indigenous people, its still not known why eczema is so common in these communities. But Asiniwasis says environmental triggers, such as a lack of clean water, crowded housing and the challenges of accessing care, can cause flares and worsen symptoms.People might have to fly or drive long distances, take time off of work, leave their families and pay for fuel, transportation and accommodations, she says. This is why Asinawasis offers virtual services from her clinic and travels to remote communities in Saskatchewan to treat patients in person. Rene Reardin