I was compensated by Med-IQ through an educational grant from Pfizer, Inc. to write about the signs, symptoms, and treatments available for eczema/atopic dermatitis in communities of color. All opinions are my own.
The seasons are changing and the weather in the Bay Area is getting chilly. During this time our skin tends to go through many changes, including dryness. When Alessandro was a baby, he would get dry patches on his skin, and I would make sure to use the appropriate products to avoid it from getting worse. More than 31 million Americans have some form of Eczema. I asked my son’s pediatrician about his dryness, and she told me he didn’t have eczema, it was just really dry because of the cold weather. I know there are many mothers out there whose families suffer from some form of Atopic Dermatitis. It’s pretty common and 10%-25% of children have atopic dermatitis.
It affects all races, but it is more common among Black children and often more severe among Black and Hispanic children. I decided to partner up with Med-IQ because they are a respected, accredited medical education company, who is generating awareness about eczema/atopic dermatitis. I feel it’s so important to talk about these topics because we have to inform moms and families who might not have much knowledge about it. We all care about our children’s health and well-being, so being informed is empowering as mothers.
Here are 5 Q&A’s about Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis
- What are Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis?
Eczema is a general term for the group of dermatologic conditions which includes atopic dermatitis among others. Atopic dermatitis is red, itchy rash that can happen any time of the year. It’s often worse in the winter and summer months. Severe cases can be painful and cover large parts of the body. In school-aged children, it’s often found the inner creases of their arms, back of legs and neck. There is a lot of misinformation out there. Only about 1/3 of websites are in agreement with current clinical thinking of this disease. It’s important to read about accurate information.
- What causes Atopic Dermatitis?
Some patients may have a genetic predisposition that causes their skin to be more sensitive and more prone to allergic factors on the surface of the skin. This can lead and trigger redness, scaling, bumpiness, and itch.
- Are there differences that we should be aware of regarding skin tone and atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is different on pigmented skin tones. Once it appears then resolves it can leave pigmentary changes, either darker or lighter pigmentation for weeks or even months.
- Is there a treatment for Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis (also known as atopic eczema) is chronic and does not just go away. Parents or patients with atopic dermatitis should seek treatment as it affects everyone differently. General skin regimens include warm baths, moisturizing, and avoiding triggers. Although adults might choose to see a dermatologist specifically about treating atopic dermatitis, many parents can take their child to their pediatrician.
However, if your child isn’t getting better, parents should consider making an appointment with a dermatologist. The main goal of treatment should be to navigate life by reducing flare-ups instead of quick solutions when flare-ups happen.
- What is the impact of COVID-19 pandemic?
We are all constantly washing our hands and putting on hand sanitizer throughout the day. This can lead skin irritation and need for eczema treatment. Due to the required social distancing, there are fewer appointments which makes it challenging to see a doctor. But there is an upside, telemedicine is an effective and a good option to ensure easy, safe and timely visits.
I really hope you found this blog post informative and useful. Dr. Alexis and Jeanette Kaplun will be discussing more about atopic dermatitis and the use of Telemedicine in a Facebook live on Tuesday, December 15th at 6 PM Eastern if you have any questions please tune in that day!
Also, I invite you to participate in this survey for a chance to win $100 VISA gift Card. There will be 10 winners, so make sure to fill it out here.
Med-IQ is conducting an anonymous survey and would appreciate your input. The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Survey responses are shared only in aggregate. Your responses to these survey questions will provide Med-IQ with important information about your experiences with atopic dermatitis, which will help us develop future educational initiatives. Once you’ve completed the survey, you will have the option of providing your email address to be entered into a drawing administered by SOMA Strategies to win 1 of 10 $100 VISA gift cards. If you choose to enter, your email address will be used only to randomly draw the winners and notify them of their prize and to send a follow-up survey as part of this same initiative.
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