On 14 September, World Atopic Eczema Day, patient communities around the world are coming together to raise awareness on the burden of atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, and shed light on the untold stories of patients living with the disease in #AtopicEczemaUnfiltered campaign.
Atopic eczema/dermatitis is a common, relapsing, chronic skin disease impacting people of different ages, where approximately 43 million are aged 1-4, which shows the startlingly high incidence in young children.
In numbers, 204 million people around the globe are affected by atopic dermatitis/eczema which makes the disease one of the most skin diseases prevalent worldwide.
In a world where social media often presents a polished version of reality, the true challenges of living with chronic conditions like Atopic Eczema remain largely unseen and misunderstood. For this reason, the 2024 campaign, #AtopicEczemaUnfiltered seeks to bring to the forefront the real experiences of patients living with Atopic Eczema.
Patients with atopic eczema may carry a heavy burden of pain, social, emotional and economic impact, with consequences for healthcare systems. However, the tendency of dismissing this chronic disease as “just a rash” is still highly persistent in society.
This year the campaign will pivot on the hashtags #AtopicEczemaUnfiltered and #AtopicEczemaDay, revealing the untold truth of living with the disease and building on vital aspects for patients: disease awareness, access to care and affordable treatment, daily life struggles of patients and caregivers, its psycho-social and financial impacts.3
Together with the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organisations (GlobalSkin), the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) is leading the campaign, shaped by broad community engagement. Healthcare professionals, health policy decision makers and all stakeholders are also invited to recognise the burden of Atopic Eczema, participate in the campaign and take action to ensure patients receive timely and efficient care.
Support patients today or share your personal story by using the hashtags: #AtopicEczemaDay and #AtopicEczemaUnfiltered on social media and become part of the global action.
Quotes:
“The current trend of distorting images towards the “perfect skin” in visual communications, and specially on social media, adds up to the stigma perceived by skin disease patients. With #AtopicEczemaUnfiltered, we encourage the patient community to speak up and demand better support and access to the care they need.” Marcia Podestà, President, The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA)
“On September 14, we unite as a global patient community for World Atopic Eczema Day. We raise awareness for this condition and the impact it has on the millions of patients and caregivers worldwide. We recognize and validate the many burdens faced by people living with atopic eczema, and how this multi-dimensional disease impacts their mental and physical wellbeing and restricts their lives. We call upon the healthcare professionals and policy makers to join us in our #AtopicEczemaUnfiltered campaign and demonstrate how they support and care for atopic eczema patients all over the globe. Together we can make change happen.” Jennifer Austin, Chief Executive Officer, GlobalSkin
About The Organisations:
The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) is the voice of the 200 million people living with allergy, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Europe. We bring together 47 national associations from 28 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. Learn more at efanet.org and on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin) is a unique global alliance, committed to improving the lives of skin patients worldwide. With 265+ 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 patientcentric healthcare. GlobalSkin has been working with the global Atopic Eczema Community to identify common issues related to atopic eczema, share information and insights, and work together to find solutions. Learn more at GlobalSkin.org and on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Flickr. European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients Associations (EFA)
For any questions, please contact EFA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..