'More subsidies needed for young children with eczema'
Eczema concern groups on Tuesday called on the government to subsidise young children to receive biological therapy to help them treat eczema. Speaking at a press briefing organised by Atopic Dermatitis Concern Group and Hong Kong Allergy Association, Ho King-man, who is a doctor who specialises in dermatology, said nearly 10,000 children under the age of six suffer from eczema in Hong Kong. However, Ho noted that only children aged six or above can get government subsidies for biological therapy, which is a type of targeted therapy to treat eczema. "The efficacy of the newly developed targeted therapy has been well proven by a well-designed clinical trial -  what we call evidence-based in terms of efficacy," Ho explained. "The safety profile of the newly developed targeted therapy is also well proven not only by a well-designed clinical trial, but also there is already a few years of post-marketing experience of using such medication." Ho also urged authorities to offer more support to people who need to take care of children with eczema, citing the financial burden the treatment placed on the families.