On September 14th 2022, 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. 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, it is often dismissed as “just a skin condition,” leaving patients without the multidisciplinary care they need.  AFSA joins the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organisations (GlobalSkin), the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) and calls on healthcare professionals, health policy decision makers and all stakeholders to recognize and take action to alleviate the burdens of atopic eczema. #InsideAtopicEczema #AtopicEczemaDay

Today and over the next few weeks, we draw attention to atopic eczema, a complex disease that has an immense burden on patients and caregivers. Globally, atopic eczema affects up to 20% of children and 10% of adults. Patients with this disease spend most of their lives requiring comprehensive daily care and management. Caring for a child with atopic eczema can affect personal relationships, decrease psychosocial functioning, bring sleep loss for family members 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 adult patients and for parents. Join AFSA, GlobalSkin, EFA 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: #UniteForAtopicEczema and #AtopicEczemaDay #BridgingtheGap

Join our Atopic Eczema Live events on Facebook & Instagram during September

Facebook/Instagram Live Webinar event: For those who suffer from atopic eczema or are caring for someone that does, join AFSA representative Prof Carol Hlela head of Paediatric Dermatology at Red Cross Children’s hospital (on 21st) & Sanofi on one of the following dates for an educational Livestream event where more insights on atopic eczema and practical advice/tips and a discussion around the SA experience.

There will be Q&A opportunities and viewers will be able to hear some positive, uplifting stories from other patients suffering from the condition.

• 21 September: 12:30 – 13:30
• 28 September: 19:30 – 20:30

Watch the Live event on the following platforms:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAallergy
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saallergy/
• Or set a reminder for the live event on 21 September here>>