The Health Ministry has raised concerns on the increase in the number of skin diseases affecting children in villages of Lau.

Spokesperson Peni Namotu says parents have been advised to practice good hygiene to avoid skin diseases.

“We found skin disease to be prevalent in children out in the islands of Lau and we have advised parents to ensure utmost care is undertaken when taking care of children and it all comes down to personal hygiene. We have given them cream to use.”

Namotu adds that villagers have been urged to maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings.