If you have atopic dermatitis, you know that the condition isn’t just skin deep. The itchy, painful rashes can be so severe that many people also develop anxiety or depression as a result — something that, all too often, goes overlooked during treatment.
That’s where the following organizations come in. Each of them provides valuable education, resources, or support for people with eczema, whether you’ve been living with the condition for just a few months or for many years. Here are a few groups to seek out for help.
National Eczema Association
The National Eczema Association (NEA) is a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the lives of everyone affected by the condition.
The website offers a variety of educational resources for people seeking information about eczema, including fact sheets, videos, webinars, podcasts, as well as its Provider Finder to locate an eczema specialist near you. The NEA also developed EczemaWise, an app to help you track and manage the condition. Most notably, the NEA provides the Seal of Acceptance program to recommend eczema-friendly skin, hair, laundry, and cleaning products that are free of ingredients that may irritate skin.
The NEA also champions future treatments by funding research grants and promoting advocacy efforts to expand awareness of the condition and advance eczema care. Every October, the NEA encourages people to get involved in Eczema Awareness Month to help reduce the stigma and build compassion toward people living with the condition.
International Eczema Council
Founded in 2014, the International Eczema Council (IEC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting research, offering educational opportunities, and sharing best treatment practices to improve eczema care.
The IEC offers educational programs throughout the year, where experts share new insights and treatment options for managing eczema, while its website provides educational materials for people living with eczema.
The organization also advocates for research funding to better understand eczema and advance the treatment landscape.