87 per cent of Canadians with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis say their disease negatively impacts their daily lives Français
Atopic Dermatitis Quality of Life Report shows disease impact on sleep, mental health, and daily activities
TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2017 /CNW/ - Eczema Society of Canada/ Société canadienne de l'eczéma has released its Atopic Dermatitis Quality of Life Report, which provides an in-depth look at the impact of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis – commonly known as eczema – on the lives of Canadians. The report details survey results from over 1,000 Canadians living with this condition.
The report sheds light on the burden of this debilitating, chronic skin disease, which causes red, raw, oozing patches of inflamed skin. Canadians living with atopic dermatitis face significant challenges when it comes to lack of treatment options and the impact on sleep, mental health, and daily activities.
"We hear from patients about their daily struggles with the pain, itch, and loss of sleep. The current gaps in care need to be addressed," says Amanda Cresswell-Melville, Executive Director, Eczema Society of Canada. "We developed this report to give a voice to those struggling, and to let them know we are fighting to help them find control through better care."
According to the report, here are some examples of how Canadians living with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis are impacted on a daily basis:
Adult Report Insights:
- 29 per cent report having used 15 or more different treatments to manage their disease.
- One in two report losing eight nights of sleep or more each month.
- One in three report missing work or important life events due to their disease, and 30 per cent have had to change their job.
- 42 per cent of adult respondents visited a doctor four or more times in the past two years to manage their disease, and 27 per cent have waited six months or longer to see a dermatologist.
Children's Report Insights:
- Seven out of ten children report experiencing sleep loss due to their disease, and one out of five have missed school due to their eczema.
- 30 per cent have reported difficulty participating in sports or physical activity, and 30 per cent experience anxiety related to their disease.
- There is also a significant impact on caregivers with 63 per cent experiencing physical, mental, or emotional stress.
- The financial impact is evident as well - nearly a third (30 per cent) say they have had financial challenges related to their child's disease.
There is a clear need for change. For more than a decade, there has been an absence of new medications, however, Canada is on the cusp of a new era in care. Due to recent breakthroughs in research, Canadians may soon have access to more options.
"This report demonstrates that Canadians with moderate and severe atopic dermatitis are greatly impacted by their disease. Sleep, social interactions and work life can all be affected," says Dr. Aaron Drucker, MD, ScM, FRCPC. "Participants in the survey also noted many unmet needs, including difficulty accessing specialty care and inadequacy of current treatments."
The Atopic Dermatitis Quality of Life Report demonstrates the true burden of disease, and the need for awareness and better care. Safe and effective treatments are desperately needed for Canadians living with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis that does not respond to current therapies.
To read the full report, or to download a PDF copy, visit www.eczemahelp.ca/Quality-of-life-report
About the report:
In 2016, the Eczema Society of Canada conducted an online survey of Canadians living with atopic dermatitis to better understand the burden of living with the disease. ESC received 1,035 respondents; of those, 377 were adults living with eczema and their caregivers, and 658 were children and their caregivers. ESC received responses from each province across Canada, and conducted 22 one-on-one interviews to gather additional insights.
About atopic dermatitis:
Atopic dermatitis (AD), a common form of eczema, is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy skin, that goes through periods of flares and periods of clearing. During times of flare the skin can become very itchy and painful, and skin becomes red and inflamed. AD can range from mild to severe, and all forms of the disease can have significant quality of life impacts on patients, caregivers, and their loved ones.
About Eczema Society of Canada:
Eczema Society of Canada/ Société canadienne de l'eczéma is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians living with eczema, through our mission of education, support, awareness, advocacy, and research. For more information, visit www.eczemahelp.ca
Source: Atopic Dermatitis Quality of Life Report: Moderate-to-Severe Disease, Eczema Society of Canada, 2017
SOURCE Eczema Society of Canada
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