WIN October 2019

FOCUS 59

Atopic eczema: a physical and financial burden Irish Skin Foundation survey finds that 40% of households affected by atopic eczema report that the condition has an impact on finances

A New Irish survey has found that atopic eczema places a significant economic burden on the households that it affects, with over 40% of those surveyed report- ing the need to cut household expenditure because of the day-to-day cost of manag- ing the skin condition. The findings were released by the Irish Skin Foundation (ISF) to correspond with World Atopic Eczema Day last month. Atopic eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common, non-contagious, inflammatory skin condition. Atopic eczema can start at any time of life but is most common in childhood and is thought to affect as many as one in five children and one in 10 adults. The cost of eczema treatments and doctors’ appointments needed to manage the condition can be a significant finan- cial burden. The ISF survey revealed that 42% of carers of children and 49% of adults reported cutting back on household expenses due to the cost of managing the condition. The figures sug- gest that one-quarter of those surveyed spend at least €2,300 annually on doctors’ fees, over-the-counter management prod- ucts and prescription treatments. The survey findings also reveal the pro- nounced negative impacts that atopic eczema can have on quality of life, includ- ing sleep disruption, absences from school, as well as participation in exercise and social activities. Sleep disruption A major symptom of atopic eczema is intense itch, which is commonly reported to disrupt sleep, with findings revealing that the overwhelming majority of children (86%) and adults (84%) living with the condition experience ongoing sleep distur- bance. Additionally, more than one-quarter (26%) of carers of children with eczema say their child missed one to two days of school

‘Living with Atopic Eczema’ Irish Skin Foundation Survey • Atopic eczema affects as many as one in five children and one in 10 adults • Some 86% of children and 84% of adults surveyed report interrupted sleep • More than one-quarter (26%) of carers report one to two days absent from school each month

per month due to their condition, with over one-third (34%) of children and two-thirds (65%) of adults admitting to avoiding exer- cise, activities and sport. More than half (52%) of adults surveyed avoid social activ- Speaking on the survey results, consult- ant dermatologist, Prof Anne-Marie Tobin said: “These new Irish survey findings pro- vide us with valuable insights into the often-hidden burden experienced by those living with or caring for people with mod- erate-to-severe atopic eczema. To mark the second World Atopic Eczema Day, the ISF survey findings further underscore that people living with this very common condi- tion experience a whole host of challenges in their daily lives, beyond the pain and dis- comfort of this very common debilitating skin disease.” Irish Skin Foundation CEO David McMa- hon said: “The disruption and stress that moderate and severe atopic eczema can cause is very clear from the findings of our recent survey. And while we know that the family impact of atopic eczema can be pro- found, we were surprised how disturbed sleep, lost school days and potentially, pro- ductivity features so strongly. “Our work with families impacted by eczema, particularly at this time of the year as the school term starts back, focuses on supporting people to re-establish care rou- tines that will strengthen the skin barrier. This is quite important in advance of the weather cooling and central heating being ities altogether. Hidden burden

turned on again in the autumn, both of which can be a challenge for vulnerable skin and can lead to flares. “The Irish Skin Foundation has plenty of great simple tips, guidance and resources for anyone who wants to estab- lish a new skin barrier care routine at www.IrishSkin.ie The charity also oper- ates a freephone helpline with access to specialist dermatology nurses who provide one-to-one guidance about a range of skin conditions and problems.” The findings from the ISF’s ‘Living with Atopic Eczema Survey’ were gathered from 454 participants living with predominately moderate-to-severe eczema or caring for someone with eczema in Ireland. The ISF released the findings to highlight the hidden burden of the disease ahead of this year’s World Atopic Eczema Day. This year the ISF is joining GlobalSkin, a unique global alliance committed to improving the lives of patients with skin conditions worldwide, in raising awareness and understanding of the impact of eczema on patients’ lives. An ‘Atopic Eczema Panel Discussion’ given by medical experts and patient advo- cates will take place at the ISF’s skin-health information and awareness event, Skin- SideOut, on November 16 at the Science Gallery, Trinity College, Dublin. Tickets for this event are available to purchase via Eventbrite (€5 per session). For more infor- mation on this event and more on other skin conditions included in the programme visit www.IrishSkin.ie .

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