Understand AD: Raising Awareness About Atopic Dermatitis

Eczema affects more than 30 million people in the United States. The most common and chronic form of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis (AD). There is currently no cure for eczema or AD.

To help raise awareness about the serious impact AD has on individuals and families, the National Eczema Association (NEA) has joined the Understand AD campaign along with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sanofi Genzyme, and the Dermatology Nurses Association. Award-winning chef Elizabeth Faulkner has also joined the campaign to share her personal struggle with AD and to highlight the physical and psychological impact of this chronic disease.

“I have been living with the challenges of atopic dermatitis for more than 20 years. At its worst, my atopic dermatitis causes constant, unbearable itching, scabbing, visible rashes on my body and even bleeding, and that’s only the physical part,” says Elizabeth Falkner. “Having atopic dermatitis affects many aspects of a person’s life – physically and emotionally – and yet many people don’t understand the severity and impact. I joined Understand AD to empower people to have more open conversations with their doctors and loved ones about the impact this disease has on their lives.”

“Understand AD aligns with our mission to educate the public and support patients impacted by atopic dermatitis,” says Julie Block, NEA President and CEO. “Unfortunately, there’s a misperception that atopic dermatitis is just a ‘skin condition’ that people can deal with on their own. In reality, it’s an immunological disease that has a huge impact on patients across all areas of their lives. We want people living with this disease to know that they’re not alone, that we’re committed to advocating for better care and treatments, providing support, and raising the level of awareness about this serious, and often overlooked, disease.”