Emotional Impact of Atopic Eczema

International Study of Life With Atopic Eczema (ISOLATE) Shows Patients and Caregivers Are Often Overwhelmed By Eczema Flare-Ups and Treatment OptionsWednesday February 23, 10:32 am ET

Study finds strong emotional impact of atopic dermatitis/eczema

NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the results of a new multinational survey called the International Study of Life with Atopic Eczema (ISOLATE) a majority of eczema sufferers and caregivers (51% of patients and 63% of caregivers) live in a state of constant concern over when they might experience their next disease flare-up. The study also revealed that up to 75 percent of eczema patients and caregivers lack confidence in the ability to effectively manage their disease when it does flare up. These results were presented this week at the 63rd annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) by Dr. Seth Orlow of New York University.
ISOLATE is the largest and most comprehensive study of its kind, including 2,000 participants from eight countries (France, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom and United States). The data presented at the AAD meeting are from a sub-analysis of approximately 400 patients and caretakers of patients from the United States. The National Eczema Association for Science and Education (NEASE) was one of the leading groups involved in the development and implementation of this study, along with other patient-focused organizations around the world.
"Many people can't realize the profound impact eczema can have on the lives of patients and, in the case of children, their caregivers, minimizing it as just a minor nuisance. This survey demonstrates the seriousness of the condition and the tremendous need for effective treatment options that patients can use safely to control their disease long term. This study also validates the quality of life issues to qualify for health insurance coverage for treatment. It shows that atopic dermatitis/eczema is not a minor irritation but a serious physical and emotional burden to patients and their caregivers," said Vicki Kalabokes, Chief Executive Officer of NEASE.
The majority of patients (80%) and caregivers (73%) surveyed felt that effective eczema control would represent the single most important improvement to their quality of life. Yet, only 24% of patients and 27% of caregivers said they feel totally confident that they can manage the condition.
Further, the majority of patients (64%) and those caring for children (78%) with moderate or severe eczema said they would want to use a non-steroidal treatment that could either prevent a flare-up occurring or reduce its severity. They also reported that while their physicians had provided information about the condition, they had not addressed with them the emotional impact of the disease, or that support groups were available to help.

FDA Considers Warnings for Elidel and Protopic

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17568-2005Feb11.html

Government scientists, concerned that two prescription creams used widely for a common skin condition may increase the risk of certain cancers, especially among children, will propose adding strong new warnings to the product labels. A handful of cases of cancer have been reported among adults and children using the creams, sold under brand names Elidel and Protopic, and animal and laboratory studies suggest the drugs could be to blame, according to a new Food and Drug Administration analysis."The evidence raises serious safety concerns in children regarding the potential for carcinogenicity in humans treated with these agents,"wrote Jean Temeck of the FDA's division of pediatric drug development in a recommendation posted late yesterday on the agency's Web site.

Identifying Occupational Eczema

Occupational skin diseases are considered as a special class of dermatologic conditions for one reason - they are caused by encounters with substances related to a person’s job or occupation. Otherwise, the skin diseases related to occupation are the same diseases acquired elsewhere. Diagnosis of an occupational skin disease may require some detective work by both patient and dermatologist. For example, associating when a skin condition first appeared and when it worsens to job activities and encounters with potential skin irritants or allergens. A skin condition associated with occupation may be worsened at home by encounters with other irritants such as strong soaps and detergents.
The most frequent occupational eczema or eczema-like conditions are:
Irritant contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis
Contact urticaria (hives)
Skin infections
Others - acne and prickly heat

Winter Weather Triggers Eczema

Cold Dry Winter Weather Triggering Eczema: Inevitable but controllable
MONTREAL, Feb. 1 /CNW Telbec/ -

Dry cold weather and low humidity levels indoors due to heating are major factors destabilizing the skin's natural balance and aggravating the impact of eczema. In a recent national survey(1),
Canadians with eczema stated that they felt it was hard to control this chronic and recurring condition, resulting in serious impacts not only on the physical, but also on the emotional aspects of their life. Although we can't control the weather, it is possible to control the effects it has on our skin.

During the month of February, the Eczema Awareness, Support and Education
(EASE) program, winner of the 2003 and 2004 Public Education Award from the
Canadian Dermatology Association, is encouraging those with eczema to learn
simple ways to manage the effects of weather on their sensitive skin.

Learning how to manage eczema is half the battle

- Keeping skin moisturized is essential. Take lukewarm baths and apply
a moisturizer within three minutes to help keep the skin well
hydrated.
- Find a moisturizer that works for you and your skin type. Ointments
have a tendency to better penetrate the skin and their effects last
longer.
- Make sure to avoid sudden temperature changes and cover your skin
when you go out.
- Try to not overheat your home or office and use a humidifier to keep
the humidity at a decent level.
- Speak to your family doctor or dermatologist about new steroid-free
treatment options available that can help you control the reaction of
the immune system.

As part of this awareness initiative, dermatologists and patients are
available to tell you more about this underestimated and life altering
condition.

Support is available

Because education is key for over two million Canadians who have to cope
with this condition, the EASE program provides bilingual, non-commercial
educational materials including a comprehensive guide to understanding adult
and childhood eczema called "Eczema: It's Time to Take Control".

To learn more about eczema, please call 1 866 432-0362 or visit www.eczemacanada.ca .

References:
(1) What do Canadians know about eczema? Omnibus survey conducted by the
EASE program, 2004.
For further information: B-roll, photos, research statistics from a
Canadian Omnibus Survey, or to arrange an interview, please contact: Gabrielle
Pauzé, MECA Médicomm, 1 888 764-6322, ext. 236, gpauze@meca.ca