Eczema Awareness Month

Affecting more than 30 million people in the United States and many others around the world, eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes discomfort that may include itchiness, redness, scaly patches, skin infections and more. Eczema Awareness Month offers thirty-one days for medical professionals, groups and individuals to improve public education and raise awareness about this condition. 

History of Eczema Awareness Month

Eczema Awareness Month is acknowledged and celebrated by a number of different medical associations and organizations, including the International Eczema Council, the American Academy of Dermatology, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and a variety of others. The purpose of this month is to build into the education of the public about eczema, as well as offering opportunities for people who have the condition to share their stories, join events and get involved in other ways.

Each year, the National Eczema Association sponsors Eczema Awareness Month by providing tools and resources for improving public education. Along with its financial sponsors, the organization invites people to engage in different ways for each week to learn more and share with others.

How to Celebrate Eczema Awareness Month

Get involved with Eczema Awareness Month with some of these ideas and plans:

Learn and Share About Eczema

One of the most important parts of Eczema Awareness Month is the task of increasing public awareness and letting others know more about this skin condition. Check out some of these interesting and important facts about eczema, then share them in person with coworkers and family members or post some facts online to share with a larger sphere of influence:

• One of the most common forms of eczema is “atopic dermatitis”, but there are also seven other types of eczema
• Eczema is hereditary and can affect people of any age, race and gender
• While eczema is not necessarily an allergic reaction, certain environmental triggers may cause it to flare up and act similarly to an allergen
• Eczema is not contagious, which means it cannot be transmitted through contact or through the air
• Eczema is a chronic condition that does not currently have a cure, but there are definitely ways that a doctor can help individuals manage it

Listen to Eczema Stories

In celebration of Eczema Awareness Month in past years, the National Eczema Association has encouraged individuals affected by the skin condition to tell their stories through the organization’s website. Those who are interested in learning more by listening to the stories can check out a variety of videos from participants in the One Thing About Eczema campaign.  

Make a Donation to Support Those with Eczema

Show support for those who live with eczema by making a financial donation to a non-profit organization that helps. The National Eczema Foundation receives one-time or monthly donation commitments that are used not only to educate the public and support those who have eczema but also continue with research to find a cure. People can also help by donating used vehicles, making a matching gift through an employer, giving through a will or trust, or a number of other ways. Those in the UK can contact the National Eczema Society to find out how to show support.