Eczema Awareness Week

Eczema Awareness Week

6th to 12th September 2010

Nearly a third of Australians suffer with eczema at some stage in their lives – equivalent to almost six million people. The incidence of the disease is on the rise, tripling in recent years. While for most Australians spring is a time for enjoying the outdoors, for eczema sufferers it can be a time of social isolation, the Eczema Association of Australasia Inc. (EAA) warns. Although there is no cure, managing the skin disease can improve quality of life states the EAA, who today launched Eczema Awareness Week 2010 (6-12 September).

There are several types of eczema, the most common being -atopic eczema' (also called -atopic dermatitis'). Triggers which can cause eczema to flare during spring include pollens, grasses, the heat/humidity and shedding pet fur. Even air-conditioning is a trigger, as it dries out people's skin.

'Spring is often a really stressful time for children and adults alike with eczema," said Ms Cheryl Talent, President of the EAA. We receive so many calls each spring from people who have trouble managing their eczema. As a result, many people stay indoors to avoid the extra triggers present at this time of year. Spring is a good time to reassess your skin-care regime, your condition and its triggers," said Ms Talent. 'If you take the appropriate precautions, it can be the difference between keeping your eczema under control and having a major flare."

The EAA recommends managing eczema can be achieved by the following: