September is Eczema Awareness Month, and here’s what you should know

September is Eczema Awareness Month.

A recent survey carried out by the Irish Skin Foundation found that 26 percent of parents and carers of children living with eczema reported that their children miss up to 1-2 days of school each month as a result of the skin condition. September is Eczema Awareness Month, and it's pretty important. The chronic skin condition affects 1 in 5 children and 1 in 12 adults in Ireland. La Roche-Posay has teamed up with the Irish Skin Foundation to promote awareness about eczema. The aforementioned research also found that 86 percent of parents of children with eczema reported interrupted sleep, as a result of the skin condition. These findings from the Irish Skin Foundation’s study ‘Living With Atopic Eczema Survey’ reflect La Roche-Posay’s own research which found that 1 in 8 parents of children living with eczema or itchy skin attribute it to being a main contributor to their child losing sleep on a regular basis. La Roche-Posay’s research also revealed over half of parents said they had very little information regarding their child’s optimum skincare routine with some admitting to having no awareness at all. According to the Irish Skin Foundation, atopic eczema occurs when the skin’s protective barrier is weakened allowing moisture to be lost, and irritants and allergens to pass through the skin more easily. Some common everyday substances, such as soap, bubble bath, shampoo, laundry detergents, fragrances, may irritate the skin and should be avoided. Instead, soap-free products and specially formulated products should be used on the skin. Consultant Dermatologist with La Roche-Posay, Dr. Niki Ralph who treats patients living with eczema said: "The physical effects of eczema, including painful, inflamed itchy and cracked skin, may result in a range of hidden psychological impacts." "Eczema can affect all ages, including teenagers who may feel uncomfortable under the glare of strangers to adults who are suffering with sleep deprivation and stress from trying to manage their eczema both at home and at work." "Regular emollient therapy, such as the use of specially formulated moisturisers, is the cornerstone of the management and treatment of eczema." Irish Skin Foundation CEO, David McMahon agreed, saying: "The disruption and stress that moderate and severe atopic eczema can cause is very clear from the findings of our recent survey.  And while we know that the family impact of atopic eczema can be profound, we were surprised how disturbed sleep, lost school days and productivity features so strongly." “Our work with families impacted by eczema, particularly at this time of the year as the school term starts back, focuses on supporting people to re-establish care routines that will strengthen the skin barrier.  This is quite important in advance of the weather cooling and central heating being turned on again in the autumn, both of which challenge vulnerable skin and can lead to flares. “The Irish Skin Foundation”, he added, “has plenty of great simple tips and resources for anyone who wants to establish a new skin barrier care routine at IrishSkin.ie.  The charity also operates a free Helpline with access to specialist dermatology nurse who provide one-to-one guidance about a range of skin conditions and problems.” Thankfully, there are amazing products out there that can really help people living with eczema. La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar body skincare range has been specifically designed for very dry to eczema-prone skin for all the family including babies I use it myself, and it's amazing.) Formulated with minimalist formulas that work in partnership with the skin, the Lipikar range provides immediate relief of skin discomfort and with regular use, decreases the re-occurrence of flare-ups.