Around 16.5 million (7.3%) of adults in the U.S. have atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common form of eczema. And 9.6 million U.S. children have eczema. Yet, many people don’t understand this skin condition. Many people mistakenly believe it is “just very dry skin,” or that it’s contagious or that it only affects babies. Many don’t realize its symptoms and effects go way beyond the surface of the skin.
Asthma, allergies and eczema are all allergic, or atopic, diseases. Many people with eczema also have asthma and allergies. This is why the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) also supports people with eczema, as well as people with asthma and allergies.
As part of National Eczema Awareness Month, we want to build better public awareness about eczema. One way we can do that is to share your eczema stories.
Read some of our members’ stories and share yours in the comments below.
“I've have had my eczema worsen over time. It appears on my entire back. It now appears on my side. It has been making an unwelcome appearance on my left cheekbone area. I never touch that. I try to ignore it. No itching my face! It seems that the horrible itchiness on my back is underneath the skin. Itching it gives no relief.” – Deborah
“Eczema impacts my quality of life and overall life experience in ways you don’t think about every day. For example, one day I hope to be married and have that little symbol on my hand – that ring on my finger. I was thinking about this and realized I will never be able to wear a ring on that finger. My eczema gets so bad on my hands and gets between my fingers and itches and then it swells. It just the little things that you don’t think about that will affect you.” – Kylie
“My husband has had eczema his entire life. It’s been hard to see him so uncomfortable over the years. We’ve often cancelled weekend plans because his eczema has been so bad, or to prevent a flareup. He finally was able to work with his doctor to start a biologic medicine. It changed everything. He finally has some relief. Watching my husband deal with his severe eczema and seeing it becoming less responsive to treatment in the past couple of years, I would encourage anyone with eczema, especially severe eczema, to partner with your doctor to find solutions that work for you.” – Rene
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