Question reference: S5W-17582
- Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 3 July 2018
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 23 July 2018
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what the process is for requesting non-drug related items, such as protective clothing, to be available on prescription for people with rare genetic skin disorders, such as Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP).
Answer
Specialist UV protective clothing is not available on prescription for people with rare genetic skin disorders such as Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP). XP is an extremely rare disease which affects roughly 100 people across the UK. Only drugs and devices included on the Scottish Drug Tariff can be prescribed by an appropriate health care professional.
The treatment and supervision for this condition is highly specialised and is best delivered through specialist hospital services which can provide expert advice to fit the particular needs of the patient concerned. High factor sunscreen, lip-screen and Vitamin D supplements are available on prescription for patients with XP who require them. All items are prescribed based on clinical judgment.