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News
14 September 2022
Europe, International
Allergy
INFORM

September 14th 2022 - World Atopic Eczema Day 2022. Today, World Atopic Eczema Day, the patient communities across the globe join forces to raise awareness for the disease, speak up about the physical, financial and mental health burdens on patients and caregivers and insist on their right to access appropriate care and treatment.

The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA), along with the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organisations (GlobalSkin) calls on healthcare professionals, health policy decision makers and all stakeholders to recognise and take action to alleviate the burdens of atopic eczema, and to look INSIDE atopic eczema.

Atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis (AD)) is one of the most prevalent skin diseases in the world. It is more than itchy skin, it is a systemic, multidimensional disease that affects the minds and bodies of over 230 million people worldwide. However, despite its prevalence and impact, it is often dismissed as “just a skin condition,” leaving patients without the multidisciplinary care they need.

Carla Jones, EFA President: “The inside of atopic eczema and what patients cope with every day is too often overlooked by most people. Even in 2022, patients are struggling to receive the care they need to be able to live their lives to the fullest. What patients need, and patient organisations are pushing for, is a multidisciplinary patient centered approach to caring for atopic eczema/dermatitis. That is why at EFA we urge healthcare providers to work with  patients, their caregivers and other healthcare providers to understand their unique needs and deliver the best care for them.”

EFA launches real-life pictures of atopic eczema patients

On World Atopic Eczema Day 2022, EFA puts the burden of patients on the spotlight with the Atopical Lives photo series. This photojournalism project features real people touched by atopic eczema in their daily lives, portraying for the first time their joy and struggles, revealing the unseen of this cumbersome disease for patients and their carers.

Launched in 2018 with the participation of 12 patients from 5 European countries, the online exhibition has been expanded with the visual testimonials of eight more patients from four additional European countries. The result is a universal story on the impact atopic eczema has on patients across four themes: skin, life, burden and the person as a whole. https://efanet.org/campaigns/atopical

EFA launches European Consensus report addressing the burden of atopic eczema

Following one year of in-depth discussions around the reality of atopic eczema, patients and doctors from across Europe launched their consensus on the burden of atopic eczema patients in Europe last week. ‘The Burden of Atopic Eczema / Dermatitis - European Consensus Report 2022’, published by EFA, provides guidance and impetus to advance atopic eczema care around the three areas that affect patients the most:

  • The physical and emotional burden of AD/E
  • The diagnosis and care burden of AD/E
  • The financial and economic burden of AD/E

EFA and its national member associations have transformed the findings of the Consensus Committee of AD/E into a Call-to-Action addressing European and national decision-making bodies, including the 72th WHO Regional Committee for Europe taking place now 12-14 September, in Tel Aviv (Israel).

Unite to recognise the many burdens of Atopic Eczema

On World Atopic Eczema Day, we draw attention to atopic eczema, the most common inflammatory skin disease with an immense burden on patients and caregivers. Globally, atopic eczema affects up to 20% of children and 10% of adults. In Europe, its prevalence has steadily increased over the last four decades.

Join EFA and GlobalSkin, and the growing global community, to encourage health systems to address the full range of atopic eczema’s impact. Be part of the conversation on channels like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn by using the hashtags: #InsideAtopicEczema and #AtopicEczemaDay

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About The Organisations:

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 45 national associations from 26 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

For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +32 (0) 2 227 2712

International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin)

GlobalSkin is a unique global alliance, committed to improving the lives of skin patients worldwide. With 190 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. Since 2018, GlobalSkin has been working with the global Atopic Eczema Community and 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

Acknowledgements: The EFA’s World Atopic Eczema Day action, meeting and Consensus Report on the Burden of Atopic Eczema have been funded with unrestricted grants from EFA’s Sustainable Funding Partners AbbVie, LEO Pharma and Sanofi/Regeneron.

View the press release in PDF here.