Brussels, 14 September 2025 - Today, on World Atopic Eczema Day, 204 million people worldwide[1]—along with their families, caregivers, patient organisations, and healthcare professionals—stand together to raise awareness about the condition and its profound, multidimensional burden.
Atopic Eczema, is one of the most common skin diseases globally. It impacts people of all ages and up to 20% of children[2]. This year’s campaign, “Our Skin, Our Journey”, shines a spotlight on the #AtopicEczemaJourney—capturing the lived experiences of patients, both as individuals and as a community. The campaign invites us to see beyond the skin and recognise the emotional and physical rollercoaster of living with a condition that often starts in early childhood and evolves over a lifetime.
The journey of someone living with atopic eczema is shaped by daily care routines, physical and emotional impact, and frequent interactions with the healthcare system. From sleepless nights due to unbearable itch to the need for constant skin care, the condition demands continuous management. Patients may experience painful flare-ups, frequent doctor visits, changes in treatment plans, and even feelings of isolation or frustration. But the journey can also include positive milestones, such as finding the right treatment, encountering a supportive patient organisation, community or healthcare professional.
World Atopic Eczema Day 2025 is a moment to share these stories. It is an opportunity for patient organisations, patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals to share their experiences with the #AtopicEczemaJourney, their challenges, their success stories, positive encounters or inspiring support received.
Atopic Eczema is too often dismissed as “just a skin condition.” In reality, it is a chronic, inflammatory, and systemic disease marked by relentless itching, redness, and skin lesions. These symptoms go far beyond the skin, significantly impacting the quality of life of patients and their families. Beyond physical symptoms, the disease can lead to psychological stress, social isolation, and economic burden.
Together with the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organisations (GlobalSkin), the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) is leading the World Atopic Eczema Day 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.
Quotes
“1 in 4 European patients struggle to cope well with their atopic eczema. With ‘Our Skin, Our Journey’ we want to bring forward the daily struggles, but also the positive experiences of patients, caregivers, patient organisations and healthcare professionals, coming together as a community to demand better access to the care and support they need to better cope with their atopic eczema journey”.
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 about this condition and the impact it has on the millions of patients and caregivers worldwide. We recognize how this multi-dimensional disease impacts the mental and physical wellbeing faced by people living with atopic eczema and restricts their lives. We call upon policy makers and health care providers to join us in #OurSkinOurJourney campaign and demonstrate how they support and care for atopic eczema patients all over the globe.”
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 48 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 patient centric 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.
World Atopic Eczema Day is coordinated by the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin) and the European Federation of Allergy and Airways (EFA). EFA extends our sincere thanks to our sustainable corporate partners Sanofi-Regeneron Alliance, Almirall, Pfizer and Incyte for their support through unrestricted grants for our Atopic Eczema Skin Matters project.
[1] Tian J, Zhang D, Yang Y, Huang Y, Wang L, Yao X, Lu Q. Global epidemiology of atopic dermatitis: a comprehensive systematic analysis and modelling study. Br J Dermatol. 2023 Dec 20;190(1):55-61. doi: 10.1093/bjd/ljad339. PMID: 37705227.
[2] https://efanet.org/images/2018/EN_-_Itching_for_life_Quality_of_Life_and_costs_for_people_with_severe_atopic_eczema_in_Europe_.pdf