Living with atopic eczema is often dismissed as an inconvenience as a result of an irritating rash or a seasonal skin flare-up. But for millions of people worldwide, eczema is a heavy burden.
The theme of World Atopic Eczema Day 2025 “Our Skin, Our Journey” highlights the experiences and daily struggles of people managing the condition.
Atopic eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition with symptoms which include extreme itchiness, swelling and redness. It is a fairly common condition affecting 15-20% of children and about 3% of adults globally, with varying degrees of severity. Of these, 50% say that they feel frustrated by the condition.
Beyond the physical discomfort that comes from often relentless itching and painful flare-ups, eczema also has a significant impact on mental health, well-being and self-confidence. Research has shown that people living with atopic eczema are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. It has also been found to have a significant impact on sleep , which in turn impacts productivity, school performance, and further affects psychological well-being.
Specialist dermatologist and Head of the Helen Joseph Hospital Dermatology Department, Dr Lushen Pillay says “Eczema is not a minor ailment. It is a chronic condition that can affect people’s quality of life and their confidence. So this World Eczema Day, it’s important to focus on the unseen struggles of people living with the condition, while showing that it can be effectively managed with the right care.”
While many children can outgrow eczema, for others, it is a lifelong condition which requires careful management and ongoing treatment, all of which comes at a cost.
“In South Africa, access to specialist dermatological care is limited, especially outside of the major cities and finding the right combination of treatments can be costly. Even for those who can afford to visit a private dermatologist, there may be long wait times to secure an appointment,” says Dr Pillay.
In the meantime, the condition can result in an inability to focus at work or school and increased absenteeism, so the cost goes beyond monetary amounts, Pillay says.
Eczema can be triggered by a number of factors ranging from diet to stress, allergies and contact with products such as lotions, soaps and detergents. The triggers are however not the same for everyone, and there may be a delay between a trigger and symptom onset, so identifying what sets off inflammation can take time and effort.
“Eczema is no longer a condition we simply manage with creams and lifestyle advice, we are now in an era of remarkable medical advancements. With the introduction of targeted biologic therapies, improved understanding of skin barrier science, and personalised treatment strategies, patients are finally able to achieve long-term control and a better quality of life. World Eczema Day reminds us of the importance of early diagnosis, patient education, and access to these life-changing treatments” says Dr Pillay.
While there is no one size fits all approach to eczema management, there are a number of steps people can take to understand their condition and management symptoms such as:
- Understanding what triggers a flare-up is key, so keep a log of symptoms to identify and avoid triggers.
- Finding a dermatologist who listens to your concerns and is able to devise a treatment plan tailored to you.
- There are a number of treatment options available including moisturizing and wrap therapies, over-the-counter medications and topical ointments and prescription medications. Most people will probably require a combination of these to find relief.
- New targeted therapies, including oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, provide new options for adults and adolescents with moderate to severe atopic eczema who do not respond adequately to other treatments.
- Phototherapy offers another treatment option for moderate to severe symptoms, especially in cases where other topical treatments have not been effective.
