The eczema community is #ItchingForChange!
Join us in raising your voice.
Did you know that November is Eczema Awareness Month? This year, Eczema Society of Canada (ESC) is asking eczema sufferers and caregivers to share their stories to help everyone understand the burden of living with eczema and to impress upon decision-makers that eczema sufferers need and deserve improved access to eczema care and treatments.
Many sufferers report having lived without adequate treatment for a year or longer, and long wait times to access specialty care and treatment for those with more severe forms of the condition mean that many Canadians are still waiting for help.
Dermatologist and ESC medical contributor Rachel Asiniwasis, MD, FRCPC, FAAD tells us, “Eczema is a public health crisis that is often underrecognized. I see many patients suffering from life-altering eczema with skin changes such as open wounds; they are not sleeping well, and often deal with secondary infections among other impacts. Trying to manage this complex condition can have a profound impact on quality of life. Continued multistakeholder efforts are needed to address these burdens and improve patient outcomes.”
Eczema is often misunderstood
Often seen as just dry, itchy skin, eczema is a lot more complex than that for many sufferers. From sleep disturbance, worry, and social isolation, to rigorous skin care routines, medical appointments, and lifestyle modifications, eczema can take a significant toll on sufferers, their caregivers, and loved ones.
The time is now
The time is now for us to act. In honour of awareness month, ESC is itching to change perceptions about eczema so that it is recognized as so much more than just dry, itchy skin.
Each story is a powerful tool for change
One of the most powerful tools for change is our voices. Sharing stories with the public helps to increase awareness of the burden of eczema and sharing with decision-makers helps to encourage action.
ESC will be collecting patient and caregiver stories throughout Eczema Awareness Month and sharing them to improve understanding and to help affect change.
To kick off Eczema Awareness Month, ESC volunteer and eczema sufferer Tanya graciously gave us a close look into the life of a chronic eczema sufferer. Watch her story here.
See here for more patient stories for inspiration:
- Safin shares his story about the challenges of growing up with severe eczema.
- Priscilla shares her story about the challenges of accessing eczema care in British Columbia.
- Lesley-Anne shares her story about holistic wellness on her path to eczema management.
Share your story – we’ve made it easy!
Are you an eczema sufferer or caregiver to someone with eczema? Help us raise awareness. You can share your story with ESC by contacting us at info@eczemahelp.ca.
You can also share your story with decision-makers and elected officials. ESC has created resources with helpful tips to get you started. We’ve also included sample letters so you can contact your local government representatives. Every voice matters! See Mike’s example of how he wrote to his local representatives.
Visit our website at eczemahelp.ca/what-can-i-do/ or contact us at info@eczemahelp.ca for help.
#ItchingForChange? Join us at The State of Eczema in Canada Webinar!
You’re invited to join us on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, from 8:00 – 8:50 p.m. ET for ESC’s webinar The State of Eczema in Canada where we’ll be bringing the community together to raise awareness and encourage action!
Register for free here.
See here for more information about ESC’s Eczema Awareness Month initiative, #ItchingForChange.
