Washington D.C.- The National Eczema Association (NEA) has officially launched its annual Eczema awareness Month campaign, drawing attention to the challenges faced by the over 31 million Americans living with the chronic skin condition. This year’s focus centers on improving access to treatment and bolstering research efforts to find more effective therapies.
Treatment Access Remains a Major Obstacle
Table of Contents
- 1. Treatment Access Remains a Major Obstacle
- 2. Eczema Policy Summit to Drive Change
- 3. Key Sponsors Support Awareness Efforts
- 4. Understanding Eczema: A Persistent Condition
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About Eczema
- 6. What specific funding increases did advocates request from lawmakers during the Capitol Hill Summit?
- 7. National Eczema Association Launches Eczema Awareness Month with Capitol Hill summit and Nationwide Events
- 8. Capitol Hill Advocacy: Amplifying the Eczema Voice
- 9. Nationwide events: Building Community and Raising Awareness
- 10. Understanding Eczema: Types, Symptoms, and Triggers
- 11. The Role of Emerging Treatments in Eczema Management
Recent findings underscore the significant hurdles patients encounter when seeking necesary care. A 2021 NEA survey revealed that nearly 30% of prescription coverage applications were denied due to step therapy protocols, while over half of patients experienced delays because of prior authorization requirements.These administrative burdens can substantially delay effective treatment and worsen quality of life.
The situation has grown increasingly complex as advancements in eczema treatment continue at a rapid pace. New therapies are becoming available, but access remains uneven, creating disparities in care. Advocacy efforts are crucial to ensure all individuals with eczema can receive the treatments they need.
did you Know? Eczema affects approximately 20% of children and 3% of adults in the United States, making it one of the most common skin conditions.
Eczema Policy Summit to Drive Change
The NEA is hosting an Eczema Policy Summit to engage policymakers and stakeholders in addressing these critical access issues. The summit will feature discussions on policy reforms and innovative solutions to streamline the prescription process and reduce barriers to care. The event is scheduled to take place in March, with a possibility of changes according to federal government guidance.
Key Sponsors Support Awareness Efforts
The initiative is supported by several leading pharmaceutical companies and consumer product brands, including AbbVie, Codex Labs Corp, LEO Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, organon, Sanofi and Regeneron, Incyte, Aestura, all® free clear, Hypothesis, and Mustela. Their financial support enables the NEA to expand its outreach and impact.
Pro Tip: Individuals with eczema should proactively communicate with their healthcare providers and insurance companies to understand their coverage and potential obstacles to treatment.
| Barrier to Care | Percentage of Patients Affected (2021 NEA Survey) |
|---|---|
| Prescription Coverage Denials (Step Therapy) | ~30% |
| Treatment Delays (Prior Authorization) | >50% |
“Eczema Awareness Month provides a national forum to amplify the voices of millions impacted by this challenging disease,” stated Kristin Belleson, President & CEO of the National Eczema Association. “Through education, community building, and advocacy, we are committed to reducing stigma, enhancing care and shaping policies that lead to better outcomes for all individuals with eczema.”
Understanding Eczema: A Persistent Condition
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is characterized by inflammation, intense itching, and dry, scaly skin. While there is no cure for eczema, various treatments can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include topical corticosteroids, emollients, systemic medications, and, more recently, biologic therapies. The National Institutes of Health reports that the exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it’s believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
recent research highlights the importance of early intervention and personalized treatment plans. Biologic drugs, such as dupilumab, have shown remarkable success in controlling moderate-to-severe eczema that hasn’t responded to conventional therapies. though,these advanced treatments frequently enough face the access barriers discussed above.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eczema
- What is eczema? Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, dry, and inflamed skin.
- Is eczema contagious? No, eczema is not contagious. It’s an immune-related condition.
- What are the common triggers for eczema flare-ups? Common triggers include allergens, irritants, stress, and whether changes.
- How is eczema typically treated? Treatment options range from topical creams to systemic medications, depending on severity.
- Can eczema be cured? Currently, there is no cure for eczema, but symptoms can be effectively managed with treatment.
- What is step therapy? Step therapy is a practice by insurance companies requiring patients to try less expensive medications first, before approving more costly ones.
- Where can I find more information about eczema? Visit NationalEczema.org for complete resources and support.
What steps can patients take to advocate for better access to eczema treatments? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Do you have any personal experiences navigating treatment access challenges with eczema? We’d love to hear your story.
What specific funding increases did advocates request from lawmakers during the Capitol Hill Summit?
National Eczema Association Launches Eczema Awareness Month with Capitol Hill summit and Nationwide Events
Capitol Hill Advocacy: Amplifying the Eczema Voice
The National eczema Association (NEA) kicked off Eczema Awareness Month 2025 with a powerful Capitol Hill Summit on October 6th. This annual event brings together individuals and families affected by eczema, leading dermatologists, and researchers to advocate for increased federal funding for eczema research, improved access to care, and policies that support the eczema community.
Key advocacy points presented to lawmakers included:
* Increased NIH Funding: Highlighting the critical need for more research into the causes, treatments, and potential cures for atopic dermatitis (eczema). Specifically,advocates requested increased funding for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).
* Access to Affordable Care: Addressing the financial burden of eczema treatment, including prescription medications, specialized skincare, and ongoing dermatologist visits. Discussions focused on insurance coverage parity and reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients.
* Early Diagnosis & Education: Promoting initiatives to improve early diagnosis of eczema, particularly in children, and to increase awareness among healthcare professionals and the public about effective management strategies.
The NEA’s government affairs team actively works year-round to build relationships with legislators and educate them about the impact of eczema. This summit serves as a crucial focal point for these efforts. The term “eczema” itself saw a critically important increase in search volume following last year’s summit, demonstrating increased public awareness.
Nationwide events: Building Community and Raising Awareness
Beyond Washington D.C., the NEA is hosting and supporting a diverse range of events throughout October to raise awareness about eczema and provide support to those living with the condition. These events cater to different audiences and interests, fostering a strong sense of community.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the nationwide activities:
* Walks for Eczema: Organized walks in major cities across the country, providing opportunities for individuals and families to connect, raise funds for research, and demonstrate their support. These walks often feature educational booths, family-kind activities, and opportunities to meet with dermatologists and eczema specialists.
* Educational Webinars: Free online webinars led by leading experts on topics such as managing eczema flares,understanding different treatment options (including topical steroids,biologics,and JAK inhibitors),and coping with the emotional impact of living with a chronic skin condition.
* Support Group Meetings: local support group meetings facilitated by trained volunteers, offering a safe and supportive environment for individuals with eczema and their caregivers to share experiences, learn from each other, and access resources.
* School & Workplace Awareness Campaigns: The NEA provides resources and materials for schools and workplaces to raise awareness about eczema and promote understanding and inclusivity. This includes educational posters, presentations, and information sheets.
* Social Media Campaign (#EczemaAwarenessMonth): A robust social media campaign utilizing the hashtag #EczemaAwarenessMonth to share personal stories, educational content, and event updates.This campaign aims to reach a wider audience and spark conversations about eczema.
Understanding Eczema: Types, Symptoms, and Triggers
Eczema isn’t a single condition; it’s a group of skin conditions that cause inflammation, itching, redness, and dryness. The most common type is atopic dermatitis, often appearing in childhood. Other types include contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and nummular eczema.
Common symptoms include:
* Intense itching
* Dry, scaly skin
* Red or brownish-gray patches
* small, raised bumps that may leak fluid and crust over
* Thickened, cracked, or scaly skin
Identifying and avoiding triggers is a crucial part of managing eczema. Common triggers include:
* Irritants: Soaps, detergents, fragrances, certain fabrics (wool, synthetic materials).
* Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods.
* Stress: Emotional stress can exacerbate eczema symptoms.
* Climate: Extreme temperatures and humidity can trigger flares.
* Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can worsen eczema.
The Role of Emerging Treatments in Eczema Management
Recent years have seen significant advancements in eczema treatment, offering new hope for individuals who haven’t found relief with conventional therapies.
* Biologics: Drugs like dupilumab (Dupixent) target specific parts of the immune system involved in eczema, providing significant symptom relief for many patients.
* JAK Inhibitors: Oral and topical JAK inhibitors are emerging as effective treatments for moderate to severe eczema, offering an alternative to traditional immunosuppressants.
* Topical PDE4 Inhibitors: Crisaborole (Eucrisa) is a non-steroidal topical ointment that reduces inflammation and itching.
* Phototherapy: Exposure to controlled amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light can definitely help reduce inflammation and itching.
These advancements are a direct result of increased research funding and the dedication of scientists
