Brussels, 14 September 2026 - On 14 September, World Atopic Eczema Day, patient communities around the world are coming together to raise awareness on the burden atopic eczema patients and their caregivers face on a daily basis. The day aims at advocating for care and treatment that is reflective of the multidimensional nature of the disease.
Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common, relapsing, chronic skin disease affecting 230 million people around the globe, which makes the disease one of the most prevalent skin diseases worldwide. In Europe, 66% of adolescents with atopic eczema report self-isolation behaviours, up to 1 in 4 patients feel they cannot cope well with the disease, and 95% of patients have out-of-pocket expenses related to the condition ("The Burden of atopic eczema", EFA, 2022).
Atopic Eczema is often dismissed as “just a skin rash”, but it’s a lot more than that: it is a heavy burden often invisible from the outside that reaches deep into patients’ lives. Its real burden is multidimensional, leading to chronic pain, visible inflammation, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. Patients and caregivers endure daily struggles to manage the disease, access effective and affordable treatments, afford out-of-pocket expenses, combat stigma and isolation.
The real burden of Atopic Eczema is not only invisible to the eye, but also invisible in national and regional health policies. Atopic Eczema is often excluded from major health strategies, funding calls, and data collection frameworks, leaving a gap in understanding its full impact on citizens and healthcare systems.
This year’s theme "Break The Invisible Burden" aims at bridging this gap, advocating for a multidimensional approach. The lack of a holistic policy approach means that patients continue to face fragmented care pathways, limited psychological support, and social stigma. Addressing atopic eczema solely as a dermatological issue fails to capture its full burden and perpetuates the invisibility of millions living with the condition. Integrating atopic eczema into national strategies on mental health, chronic diseases, and social inclusion, can lead the way in restoring dignity, wellbeing, and hope for millions of people around the world living with this overlooked disease.
The theme also supports the Skin Diseases Resolution adopted by Member States at the 78th World Health Assembly which recognises “Skin Diseases as a Global Health Policy Priority”. This Resolution specifically highlights the risk of underestimation of the burden of skin diseases. It offers an opportunity for advocacy efforts on the burdens of the condition including medical, social, economic, public health and financial. #BreakTheInvisibleBurden is a strong call to turn the Resolution into action at national regional and global level to address the burdens of skin diseases including atopic eczema. It represents a strong framework that allows patients and patient organisations around the world to bring forward their asks and requests for policy change at national level.
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.
Support patients today or share your personal story by using the hashtags: #AtopicEczemaDay, #WorldAtopicEczemaDay and #BreakTheInvisibleBurden on social media and become part of the global action.
Quotes
“Behind every atopic eczema flare-up lies an invisible burden: sleepless nights, anxiety, isolation, and stigma. Despite its significant human and economic cost, the disease remains absent from major European health discussions. This has to change. At European level, our asks are clear: integration of atopic eczema into the next version of the EU NCD Initiative, establish an EU Joint Action focused on atopic eczema, and support to generate evidence in support of systemic policymaking." Károly Illy, EFA President.
“On September 14, we unite as a global skin patient community for World Atopic Eczema Day. We recognize and validate the many invisible burdens faced by people living with atopic eczema, and how this multi-dimensional disease impacts their mental and physical wellbeing. We call upon policy makers around the world to demonstrate their support for atopic eczema patients by integrating skin conditions and the lived experience into health policy discussions and locally into national health strategies. Together we can make change happen.” Jennifer Austin, Chief Executive Officer, GlobalSkin
Note to editors
About The Organisations:
International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin)
GlobalSkin is a unique global alliance, committed to improving the lives of skin patients worldwide. With 350+ Member 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 since 2018, 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)
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 38 national associations from 24 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 LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
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 Almirall, Incyte and Sanofi-Regeneron Alliance for their support through unrestricted grants for our Atopic Eczema Skin Needs project.