Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

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Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis(AD), also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. While many know that it is characterised by inflamed skin, intense itching and weeping skin lesions¹, which is caused in part by a malfunction in the immune system, very few understand the broader impact it can have on people’s lives.

An Australian first study, the PEEK STUDY², has finally put a spotlight on atopic dermatitis revealing the devastating and wide-reaching impacts the disease can have on people’s lives, showing it affects mental health, sleep and relationships.

To preview the International Centre of Community-Driven Research findings from the PEEK study go to
https://www.cc-dr.org/au/peek/complete/2018auade/

Insights from the PEEK STUDY;

More than half of all participants living with severe (53%) and very severe AD (54%) said doctors tell them “there is nothing we can do”²
Nearly half of all participants living with severe (46%) and very severe (40%) AD have poor quality of life with AD affecting self-esteem and confidence, often leading to social isolation²
36% of all participants living with severe and nearly half of those (45%) with very severe AD experience significant impact on family relationships and intimacy with a partner²
85% of all participants living with severe and 95% with very severe AD experienced physical symptoms causing regular sleep disturbance²

Managing Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Brochure

Download here: Managing Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)1.19 MB

Managing Atopic Dermatitis Eczema

WATCH AND READ: Putting a spotlight on the reality of living with atopic dermatitis

From depression and anxiety to social isolation and the inability to work, sleep or maintain lasting relationships, Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia reveals the real stories of those living with atopic dermatitis/eczema.

Sarah's Story

Scott's Story

Acacia's Story

Acacia was 16 years old when she accessed life changing treatment for her severe eczema. Read her story here.

If you have or know someone with atopic dermatitis we have support networks and resources available for people wanting to better understand their condition and seek help. For our supportline, available 9am-4pm please call 1300 728 000³. If you or a loved one require emergency assistance, please call triple zero - 000.

References

Boguniewicz, M. (2017). Biologic Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis: Moving Beyond the Practice Parameter and Guidelines. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 5(6), pp.1477-1487.
ICCDR. 2018. Atopic Dermatitis Australian Study. PEEK. 1:4.
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia. Eczema Atopic Dermatitis. Available online: https://allergyfacts.org.au/allergy-anaphylaxis/eczema-atopic-dermatitis [Last accessed 8 June 2018].

Eczema

Few people understand the impact that eczema can have on your life, but https://allergy250Kteens.org.au does…learn more here

Eczema School Kit

Eczema Support Australia (ESA) have developed an Eczema School Kit for Parents/Caregivers and Educators. The main purpose of the Kit is to make the lives of children with eczema easier when attending school and to assist parent/caregiver in delegating care responsibility of their child with eczema to their school.

Click on the link to download your free Eczema School Kit!

https://www.eczemasupport.org.au/school-kit-2/

Note: Clicking the above link will take you to the Eczema Support Australia website.

Acknowledgement:

Eczema Support Australia. 2020 Eczema School Kit https://www.eczemasupport.org.au/

A&AA received funding from the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation that has allowed A&AA to help promote and distribute the ESA Eczema School Kit.

Content updated April 2022