Every October, we come together as a community for Eczema Awareness Month to shed light on a condition that affects more than 31 million people in the U.S., yet is still often misunderstood. This year, through our #UnhideEczema campaign, we set out to share real stories, challenge misconceptions and reveal both the visible and invisible struggles of living with eczema.
What unfolded was nothing short of inspiring. With October behind us, we’re filled with gratitude for the courage and authenticity you and so many others showed as you stepped forward — unafraid and unashamed — to unhide eczema.
Together, we:
- Reached more than 476,000 people across our social and digital platforms
- Shared over 110 personal stories that reveal the true impact of eczema
- Provided more than 25 educational resources to help raise awareness and understanding
- Introduced over 20,000 people to tools that empower them to manage eczema better
- Brought over 41,000 site visitors to EczemaMonth.org and shifted the conversation from awareness to control
More than skin deep
Eczema Awareness Month is always about education, empowerment and connection — and this year, we reached new levels of learning together.
Education came alive online. Thousands of you participated in our interactive polls and quizzes, accessed resources like the Eczema Visual Guide, searched for eczema-friendly Seal of AcceptanceTM products, watched our webinars, donated to support our mission and engaged with content designed to deepen understanding of eczema’s causes, symptoms and management.
Many of you shared that you learned something new that’s already helping you take better control of your eczema — a testament to how much we can grow when we learn together.
Sharing without shame
All across the country, you joined us on social media and shared your experiences with raw honesty and incredible bravery. Our community sparked thousands of conversations about living authentically with eczema — not with shame, but with strength.
Our video series brought personal stories to life, reaching tens of thousands of viewers. Community members like Sarah, Taj and Chava opened up about what it truly means to live with eczema.
“I can’t always control what my skin is doing,” Sarah shared, “but I can control the narrative I shape around it.” Her story and many others resonated deeply, inspiring more people to share theirs and connect with one another.
Taj reflected on the hard-won peace that comes from perseverance, while Chava’s vulnerability shed light on how eczema can affect something as simple as sleep. Through their courage, and the courage of hundreds more, the #UnhideEczema movement became a declaration of visibility, resilience and community.
When we asked, “Where are you flaring?” you shared your flares with honesty and heart. Your responses highlighted just how varied — and deeply personal — eczema can be. From hands and eyelids to feet and necks, every story underscored the truth that eczema doesn’t look the same for everyone, but every experience deserves to be seen, heard and honored.
The openness of this conversation was a reminder that by unhiding, we help others feel less alone.
@nationaleczema Repost from @Skintuitivemind | Real Skin – Representation isn’t a trend. We don’t need more Love Islanders talking about “dry skin.” We need people who actually live with eczema. Because when we see someone whose skin looks like ours, we feel seen. We feel included. That’s what authenticity looks like. #EczemaAwareness #EczemaCommunity #EczemaJourney #RealSkinStories #SkinPositivity
Living on our own terms
Empowerment was the heartbeat of this year’s campaign. By sharing educational resources, tracking triggers through tools like EczemaWise and engaging with real people managing their condition every day, you demonstrated what it looks like to take control. We found the knowledge, encouragement and sense of belonging to manage eczema with confidence.
From October 19–21, eight NEA Ambassadors traveled a combined 12,031 miles to Washington, D.C., for the first-ever Eczema Policy Summit. They brought the realities of eczema directly to lawmakers, and their efforts led to an immediate win: Senator Adam Schiff (CA) signed on to co-sponsor the Safe Step Act, a bill to reform “step therapy,” an insurance practice that can delay access to necessary treatments. You can read the full Eczema Policy Summit recap here.
Across the country, seven states — Georgia, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Oregon, Texas, North Dakota and Hawaii — officially recognized Eczema Awareness Month through gubernatorial proclamations. These proclamations don’t just acknowledge eczema; they validate the experiences of millions and encourage understanding and advocacy at every level.
@nationaleczema Thank you Governor Brian Kemp for proclaiming that October is officially Eczema Awareness Month in Georgia! Big thanks to Governor Kemp and to NEA Ambassadors Victoria, Maisie, and @Jeremy Paredes 💙 Become an #NEAAmbassador today to help spread #EczemaAwareness this month and beyond! #EczemaAwarenessMonth #UnhideEczema #NationalEczema
This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the passionate dedication of our NEA Ambassadors and supporters across the country. From reaching out to state offices to sharing personal stories, your advocacy made eczema visible in powerful new ways.
