Eczema News
Winter can seriously affect eczema sufferers but knowing how to manage flare-ups can help patients return to a more normal life
If you have ever suffered from a persistent itch from insect bites or poison ivy, you can imagine what these children are going through
Montreal, February 3, 2003 – The Eczema Awareness, Support and Education (EASE) program, following a recommendation from leading Canadian dermatologists, announced today that February will be designated as the first eczema awareness month. According to them, February is a difficult time of year for eczema sufferers as it usually means dry air and indoor heating resulting in dry skin and painful flare-ups. However, learning how to manage this chronic skin disease can make even the coldest days of the year more enjoyable.
Did you know…
- Over 2 million Canadians suffer from eczema.
- Since 1970 the prevalence of eczema has nearly tripled.
- More than 50 per cent of patients are not satisfied with their treatment regimen.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common, chronic, life-altering disease. It appears when the body reacts to elements in the environment, which would normally be harmless. This means the immune system will fight common house-dust mites or pollen allergens causing the skin to become red, itchy and inflamed. In some cases the itching and redness is so serious and intense sufferers scratch themselves until they bleed, increasing the risk of secondary infection. Because of that, it is not uncommon for doctors to recommend wearing mittens during the night to help prevent unconscious scratching.
According to a recent study, more than 50 per cent of eczema sufferers are not happy with their current treatment1. "Traditionally, eczema has been treated with hydration of the skin or moisturizers, topical corticosteroids for inflammation, oral antihistamines to control the itch, and when there is infection, antibiotics," explains Dr. Richard Langley MD, assistant professor of dermatology, Dalhousie University and Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
"A steroid-free ointment was recently introduced to help manage eczema. This new class of treatment, called topical calcineurin inhibitors (TIMs), goes to work at the site of the immune imbalance in the skin to help improve eczema. Ointment-based formulations help lock-in the skin’s moisture; they offer superior hydrating properties compared to creams without the greasy effect they had in the past," added Dr. Langley, who co-authored clinical studies at Harvard University on this new medication called tacrolimus that involved more than 16,000 Canadian children and adults. "For many patients this breakthrough may bring a new form of relief without the side effects associated with topical corticosteroids."
Many patients battle the affliction throughout the various stages of their lives. Emotional factors such as stress can also influence and worsen the condition, often resulting in low self-esteem and an inability to interact with others. "My quality of life with eczema–the way I have it–is not good at all. If I let my guard down and don’t pay attention to what triggers it and to my treatment, I go back to square one and my skin gets dry, inflamed, sore and itchy. It hurts to move and I feel like I have a bad sunburn," explains Debbie McLean, a young mother who’s eczema was diagnosed at birth.
Learning to manage flare-ups can be half the battle for those living with eczema. The Eczema Awareness Support and Education (EASE) program offers informational material to assist in the management of outbreaks. The EASE program is a national patient education program developed with the assistance of leading Canadian dermatologists to provide accessible information about eczema. It was developed in order to fulfill the need for accurate, non-commercial educational resources to help adults and children who suffer from this life-altering skin condition. The Canadian Dermatology Association has recognized the educational value of the Web site. The program is offered as a community service through an unrestricted educational grant from Fujisawa Canada, Inc., a research-based pharmaceutical company based in Markham, Ontario.
1. Perceptions of Physicians and Pediatric Patients About Atopic Dermatitis, Its Impact, and Its Treatment, Clinical Pediatrics, June 2002, p.323-332.
This information can help you take control of eczema right now!
