Igniting change for eczema: a dynamic month of action!
Eczema Society of Canada (ESC) took charge during Eczema Awareness Month in November with a mission to change how eczema is seen, treated and prioritized in Canada.
“Dismissing eczema as just a dry skin condition downplays the impact eczema can have on those of us who live with the condition,” said Amanda Cresswell-Melville, ESC’s Executive Director.
Throughout November, ESC highlighted patient stories, sharing diverse patient voices from across the country, with varying experiences, condition severity, and ways of coping. The standout awareness month event was an online event – The State of Eczema in Canada featuring Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis, Regina-based dermatologist, researcher and eczema advocate. She was joined by a diverse group of eczema warriors from across Canada who shared their experiences and perspectives on what change they would like to see in Canada. Their impactful stories emphasized the urgent need for improved access to care and treatments.
Crucial insights from Dr. Asiniwasis:
- Recognize atopic dermatitis (AD) as a public health concern
- Improve access to primary care and specialists
- Ensure equitable availability to approved AD medications
Dr. Asiniwasis stressed the seriousness of eczema and the need for health care change:
“Sleep loss, itching, depression, and anxiety are things that I see frequently in patients, especially with more moderate to severe disease. The literature and the clinical experience show that we need to work together on multiple stakeholder levels to address this uncontrolled condition and its impact. We need people to take eczema seriously. It’s not just a skin problem.”
Dr. Asiniwasis highlights the need for improved education, resources available, and treatment coverage for patients across Canada.
Want to read about the patient experience? Read their heroic stories here.
The Big Takeaways: Empowering Change
For health care providers:
- Continue to recognize the burden of disease
- Discuss treatment advances and quality-of-life impact with patients
- Engage in conversations about treatment risks and benefits
- Collaborate for better patient outcomes
A call to action for decision-makers:
- Acknowledge the burden and diversity of eczema
- Improve access to care and treatments
Patients and caregivers unite:
- Sign up for ESC’s newsletter
- Share your story with ESC at info@eczemahelp.ca
- Advocate for change by writing to your MLA/decision-maker – click here for sample letters
Join ESC in our mission for change and stay updated on future events at eczemahelp.ca
Special thanks to Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis, MD, FRCPC, and our patient panel – Lesley-Anne, Mike, Priscilla, Safin, and Tanya- for contributing to our Webinar and advocacy efforts. For support, contact us at info@eczemahelp.ca or visit eczemahelp.ca and our social media channels. #ItchingforChange
