To mark Eczema Awareness Month this November, ESC is inviting Canadians to share their experience of living with atopic dermatitis (AD) by telling their stories on social media and including the hashtags #MyEczemaJourney and #MyADJourney. By highlighting the common challenges patients and caregivers are experiencing, we can work to improve patient care and reduce suffering.
The campaign follows ESC’s release of The Atopic Dermatitis Patient Journey – a comprehensive look at the eczema patient experience in Canada. It aims to illustrate the shared path and challenges faced by patients living with atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, from symptom onset, to diagnosis, to treatment and onward.
As part of the report, ESC surveyed patients and caregivers, and revealed some key challenges:
- 41% of adults with AD are in a constant state of flare – they may experience some improvement of their symptoms but never experience periods of fully clear skin.
- Nearly half (48%) of adults with AD have experienced an eczema flare ‘crisis’ that required immediate medical intervention.
- Timing to see a specialist during a flare is a challenge, with 37% of adult patients and 42% of caregivers worrying they won’t actually see their health care provider during an eczema flare.
By posting and including the hashtag #MyEczemaJourney and #MyADJourney, ESC will share your stories on our social media channels and in meetings with various stakeholders when advocating for better care and support for people living with AD.
Share our video about the AD Patient Journey to help raise awareness around AD and eczema.
To learn more about eczema and to read the full report and to watch our video, visit eczemahelp.ca/journey
