The 2022 Global Report on Atopic Dermatitis* quotes a patient living with the condition as saying: “If you care, make it so that people can get the care they need. Do something right now. You have the power to change our lives.”
World Atopic Dermatitis Day was launched in 2018. Every year on September 14, events are held around the world to bring together people living with the condition to celebrate progress made, recognize what else can be done, and collectively contribute to raising awareness of the disease and its burden. Sadly, despite extensive research and advocacy efforts, the significant impact of atopic dermatitis on every aspect of a patient’s life remains under-recognized.
As active members of the eczema community, we were inspired to expand efforts around World Atopic Dermatitis Day: this is how our World Eczema Week was born. Our week-long program of activities will take place from September 11-17 around many Galderma offices around the globe, thus encouraging everyone to get involved in some way, big or small.
What is atopic dermatitis?
“I used to ask the question, why did it affect me and not anyone else in the family? And I've had to live with this dreadful condition for such a really long time.”
Khen Kon, Head of JPAC Medical Affairs at Galderma and atopic dermatitis patient.
Atopic dermatitis is serious form of chronic eczema, affecting more than 230 million people worldwide.1
A highly variable skin disorder, it is characterized by persistent itch and recurrent skin lesions. It is also associated with a significant reduction in quality of life and several comorbid conditions, namely mental health disorders and other autoimmune-mediated or immune-mediated diseases.1,2,3,4
We spoke to Khen Kon, Head of Medical Affairs, JPAC, at Galderma, and an atopic dermatitis patient, to hear more about its impact first-hand.
This is a personal testimony. The views shared in this video are not representative of Galderma. The video is not intended to provide medical advice.
81% of adults with atopic dermatitis say itch is among the top three most burdensome symptoms.v As described by Khen, itch can be severe and persistent, never giving patients a break and preventing them from simply functioning.
Like Khen, other patients also suffer from psychological distress triggered by the physical symptoms, including social withdrawal, anxiety and depression, with 31% of sufferers reporting that their physical appearance causes them to avoid social interaction.4,5
“I think stigma in atopic dermatitis is often not spoken about. But it is real. And I think that a lot of people do judge us by the way that we look, whether we like it, or we don't.”
Khen Kon, Head of JPAC Medical Affairs at Galderma and atopic dermatitis patient.
Yet despite both its prevalence and severity, the causes of atopic dermatitis are not yet fully understood, causing additional frustration for patients.
Introducing Galderma’s World Eczema Week
“My message to anyone who's got atopic dermatitis, is that there is hope. Never give up on your battle with these conditions.”
Galderma is working in collaboration with our patient association partners to launch World Eczema Week. Our global campaign involves action being taken around the world to drive awareness of this important condition, including:
- A Galderma Global AD meeting to deepen our internal knowledge of the disease and inspire more patient-centric behaviors.
- Participating virtually in the PEAU’SITIVE Race launched by the French Eczema Association.
- Supporting the international launch of ZeSkinChallenge by the French Eczema Association.
Follow us on social media to learn more about atopic dermatitis and our World Eczema Week activities!