How do YOU care for atopic eczema?
World Atopic Eczema Day challenges patients, healthcare professionals and policy makers around the world to unite for care
BRUSSELS, 14/09/2020 –September 14, marks World Atopic Eczema Day - a day where the patient community comes together to raise awareness, understanding and the standards of care for atopic eczema. Atopic eczema is incredibly difficult on patients and their families, seriously impacting daily life. An individual’s health and the overall wellbeing of families can be severely impaired by the disease.
The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) and the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin) are joining forces today to gather the global atopic eczema community to change the way atopic eczema patients are perceived and how care is delivered.
Patients and families are at the core of this year’s World Atopic Eczema Day. They endure chronic pain, social isolation and a considerable financial burden to take care of their atopic eczema. Today we come together and unite for action on the disease. All together, we #CareForAtopicEczema.
Mikaela Odemyr, President EFA: “World Atopic Eczema Day is a day for patients, families and healthcare professionals to come together. We stand today with the patients and families that live with atopic eczema in Europe to show them that they are not alone, that we care, and that united we are claiming better standards of care for this serious disease that affects us physically, mentally and financially.”
Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema. It is currently an incurable, chronic immune-mediated systemic disease with a debilitating effect on 2-10% of adults and 20% of children worldwide. Caring for children affected by atopic eczema can be all-encompassing; it can affect personal relationships, decrease psychosocial functioning, bring sleep loss for family members and engender grief and a feeling of helplessness in dealing with the child’s daily suffering. Atopic eczema may also result in work absence or decreased work productivity for parents. Even siblings of affected children find their lives affected. When atopic eczema affects children, it affects the whole family – often profoundly.
On World Atopic Eczema Day, EFA wants to remind people affected by atopic eczema that they are not alone. Patients and families are encouraged to mark the day by connecting and helping others gain understanding of the disease impact by sharing their stories. Healthcare professionals and policymakers are also invited to show how they care for patients and families who live with this disease. When individuals living with atopic eczema receive timely and appropriate care, a better quality of life is possible.
In this way, the atopic eczema community can work together in encouraging health systems to address the full range of atopic eczema’s impact. Ultimately, this movement aims to improve the lives of millions around the world. Join EFA, GlobalSkin and the growing global community to be part of the conversation on Twitter and Facebook by using the hashtag: #AtopicEczemaDay and the materials here: https://www.efanet.org/campaigns/world-atopic-eczema-day/join
Notes to editors:
The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) is the voice of over 200 million people living with allergy, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Europe. We bring together 39 national associations from 25 countries and channel their knowledge and demands to the European institutions. We connect European stakeholders to ignite change and bridge the policy gaps on allergy and airways diseases so that patients live uncompromised lives, have the right and access to the best quality care and a safe environment. www.efanet.org.
GlobalSkin is a unique global alliance, committed to improving the lives of skin patients worldwide. With over 160+ Members organizations globally, they nurture relationships with their membership, partners and all involved in healthcare—building dialogue with decision-makers around the globe to promote patient-centric healthcare. In 2018, GlobalSkin launched AltogetherEczema.org, a central hub for people all over the world to identify common issues related to atopic eczema, share information and insights, and work together to find solutions. Learn more at GlobalSkin.org
For more information contact EFA Director of Policy and Communications:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +32 (0) 2 227 2712
ENDS