The number of beds dedicated to patients with painful and life-threatening skin conditions has almost halved in the last 10 years, figures have revealed.
This is despite a significant increase in the number of dermatology patients being referred since 1999.
The statistics were obtained by the Scottish Conservatives following a series of parliamentary questions.
Answers showed there were 160 dermatology beds available across Scotland in 1999, but that has now plunged to only 62.
That figure is in itself a drop of nine from last year, continuing a steady declining trend.
Since the SNP came to power in 2007, the number of beds has fallen by around 30 per cent, even though the party had previously criticised the decline.
But that drop has occurred as admissions have risen; in 1999 there were 80,609 admissions, where-as in 2012, if trends from the first three quarters continue, there will have been more than 110,000 referrals.
Charities and campaigners have joined the Scottish Conservatives in criticising the figures, adding that creating more daycare centres for dermatology patients would help compensate for the fall.
The problem is impacting on patients with a range of conditions, from skin cancer to psoriasis.
Scottish Conservative public health spokeswoman Dr Nanette Milne MSP said:
“Thousands of people across Scotland suffer from aggravating skin conditions which often in extreme circumstances result in the need for inpatient treatment.
“Under the SNP the number of dermatology inpatient beds has been cut by 30 per cent.
“In opposition the SNP said it opposed such cuts.
“But in government it has cut the number of inpatient treatment beds across Scotland.
“Given the concern expressed by the health secretary in the past regarding the reduction in the number on dermatology inpatient beds under Labour and the Liberal Democrats, I am sure he will be as concerned to see such a dramatic reduction under his watch.
“The Scottish Conservatives appreciate that fewer inpatient beds are now required due to the availability of more effective drugs.
“However, more daycare treatment centres which will help to bring dermatology services together are required – and as numbers keep growing the requirements for daycare facilities and outpatient capacity will also grow.
“I have written to Alex Neil to suggest a national conference to bring together all groups and health boards to take forward these proposals.”