Eczema sufferers can live with debilitating itch, pain, and stress. But we aren’t hiding anymore
November is Eczema Awareness Month, and the Eczema Society of Canada (ESC) is partnering with monuments and landmarks across Canada to light up blue to “shine a light” on the burden and impact of eczema and atopic dermatitis (AD).
Our goal is to raise awareness about eczema and AD to the public, decision makers, health care professionals, employers, friends, family, and more. We want people to know that it is more than just dry skin, and that we deserve improved care and better access to new targeted medications.
This November, the following list of monuments will be lighting up blue throughout the month. ESC invites Canadians to visit their local landmarks and share photos on social media with the hashtag #ShiningALightonEczema.
Living with eczema and AD can be challenging and complex, and it can affect every facet of life. However, as sufferers, we often suffer in silence. We hide behind long-sleeved clothing. We adapt, or even completely avoid, activities that may trigger a flare. Or we participate anyway and live with the fallout of painful symptoms that will inevitably follow.
We are used to hiding our eczema because unless you have it or know someone who has it, it’s hard to understand how much it can affect someone’s life.
Throughout the month, we are putting a spotlight on life with eczema. We will be sharing stories, facts, and statistics that shed light on the impact of the condition, like these real-life quotes from fellow eczema sufferers:
“You are scared to move your body – even if it’s just walking – because a little drip of sweat can irritate you severely and make you stop everything to scratch.”
“I don’t think people understand the impacts on mental health – your self-esteem takes a hit and isolation is a problem. People think it’s just a skin rash.”
“The itch is so intense and so heartbreaking to watch as a parent. Our child would scratch and rub their skin until it was bleeding and raw. The look in their eyes was painful to see.”
“People don’t understand the reality of living with eczema. It affects how you operate as a human being. Tasks as simple as bathing can be excruciating. Falling asleep can be nearly impossible.”
“Eczema and AD are very common among Canadians; however, we hear the condition is often perceived as not a big deal,” says Amanda Cresswell-Melville, Executive Director of ESC. “By blanketing Canada in blue light during the month of November, we hope this is a powerful way to bring awareness to the burden of eczema, and the need for both better care and fair access to treatments.”
To learn more about how to get involved, or to view the full list of participating monuments, visit eczemahelp.ca/shiningalight
Sep 2022
