Atopic eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin disease caused by a genetic abnormality. This anomaly is responsible for the excessive dryness of the skin and its permeability to numerous external aggressions – pollen, dust, dust mites, food allergens… Atopic dermatitis in adults is manifested by red and thick patches, flare-ups acute inflammation and intense itching. In France, 2.5 million adults would be affected.
Eczema has a concrete impact on the daily lives of patients: this is the conclusion of a major national survey coordinated by the French Eczema Association and conducted among 1,024 French patients aged over 15.
In this study (conducted between January 2016 and June 2017), we first learn that eczema is a real burden at the professional level: 17% of patients have already suffered discrimination in hiring because of their disease, 13% have already benefited from sick leave (or more) and, in the office, 35% of patients with severe atopic eczema think “very often” or “permanently” about their disease.
An impact on the sexual life of patients
Eczema disrupts the sex life of 70% of patients… and one in two spouses. Worse: 75% of patients believe that “the unsightly appearance of eczema on the body” has repercussions on their sexuality and 18.3% of patients are confronted with the fear of their spouse that the disease is contagious – an idea received to banish.
On the psychological level, eczema also has consequences: 38% of patients who suffer from severe atopic eczema and 25% of moderate cases say they are “permanently depressed”.
“Eczema can affect all parts of the body, including the most intimate parts. A very difficult subject to discuss with your doctor. Dare to consult! Dare to talk to your dermatologist about it! Solutions exist! says Stéphanie Merhand, head of the French Eczema Association.
Source: French Eczema Association press release
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