Living with a visible skin condition such as eczema can have both a physical and emotional impact. So when it comes to managing it all, it helps to have an arsenal of information at your fingertips.
The good news: Many organizations and advocacy groups have expertise in eczema. Whether you’re looking for news on the latest treatment options, strategies to help you find symptom relief, or ways to connect with others who “get it,” these resources can help you reach your goals.
1. National Eczema Association (NEA)
The NEA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1988 to help the eczema community and promote a better future for those affected by the condition.
It offers a variety of educational resources, including fact sheets, videos, webinars, podcasts, and a Provider Finder to locate an eczema specialist near you. The NEA also developed EczemaWise, a downloadable app to help you track and manage the condition. Most notably, the NEA provides the Seal of Acceptance program to recommend eczema-friendly skin, hair, laundry, and cleaning products that are free of ingredients that may irritate skin.
The NEA funds research grants and is involved in advocacy efforts to expand awareness of the condition and advance eczema care. Every October, the NEA encourages people to get involved in Eczema Awareness Month to help reduce the stigma and build compassion toward people living with the condition.
Keep in touch with the latest from the NEA through:
2. International Eczema Council (IEC)
Founded in 2014, the IEC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting research, offering educational opportunities, and sharing treatment best practices to improve eczema care.
The IEC accomplishes this goal by offering educational symposia programs throughout the year where experts share new insights and treatment options for managing eczema. The organization actively advocates for research funding to better understand eczema and advance the treatment landscape. The IEC website also provides educational materials for people living with eczema.
Stay connected with the IEC through:
3. American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)
The AAD is the largest professional dermatology organization, representing over 20,500 experts worldwide. It has been committed to spreading awareness and finding treatments for skin diseases such as eczema; promoting educational and research opportunities; and enhancing patient care since 1938.
The AAD’s website offers information about eczema and atopic dermatitis, including insider secrets for managing the condition. It also provides a searchable database to find a dermatologist near you who specializes in eczema.
You can call the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) and follow the organization on:
4. Skin of Color Society (SOCS)
The SOCS is a professional organization founded in 2004 to promote health equity in the field of dermatology. Its goal is to promote awareness and excellence of care for people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, including people of African, Asian, Latino, Indigenous, or Pacific Islander descent, as well as people of mixed race or ethnicity.
The SOCS offers a number of resources for people living with skin conditions, most notably Find a Doctor, which you can use to find a provider who is familiar with treating skin conditions in people of color specifically. It also offers educational materials for eczema and other skin conditions, including video content with advice from experts. In addition, the SOCS promotes advocacy efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in dermatology.
Keep in touch with the SOCS through:
5. Inspire Eczema Exchange
Inspire is an online community that connects people with eczema and their loved ones to healthcare professionals. It’s a place where you can share health information, seek advice, and find support.
To participate, visit the Inspire Eczema Exchange, an online group for people living with the skin condition. You’ll need to create a free account to log in. Afterward, you can read posts and comments and interact with other members.
You can connect with Inspire Eczema Exchange on:
Read the full article here
