GUILDFORD, England,
May 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
Not intended for Irish media
- Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of
eczema[3]
- New public awareness campaign Scratch Beneath the
Surface uncovers the real impact of atopic dermatitis
- UK-wide survey of people with moderate-to-severe atopic
dermatitis uncovers mental health, relationships and sleep suffer
because of this often life-long disease[4]
Launching today, Scratch Beneath the Surface is
a new UK public health initiative created by Sanofi in
collaboration with leading national charity, Allergy UK. The
initiative aims to improve people's understanding of atopic
dermatitis, from what's happening inside the body, to the emotional
and psychological symptoms that can lie beneath the surface.
By improving awareness of atopic dermatitis, Scratch
Beneath the Surface hopes to shift any misconceptions
among the general public and combat the stigma related to the
disease, which will in turn, lead to those affected feeling a
greater sense of support and understanding.
Atopic dermatitis (also known as atopic eczema) is a long term,
inflammatory disease caused in part by an overreaction of the
body's immune system.[5] Physical symptoms can
range from intense, persistent itching and skin dryness, to
cracking, redness, crusting and oozing. When these symptoms become
aggravated, for example, by scratching or skin irritation, it can
lead to a cycle of flare-ups.[5]
"Atopic dermatitis is often dismissed as a simple skin
condition or rash that can be soothed with moisturisers, but people
don't realise that it's a long-term and potentially life-altering
disease," says Carla
Jones, Allergy UK's Chief Executive. "There is a
huge sense of frustration amongst those affected, who feel that
eczema and atopic dermatitis are often misunderstood. Even simple
day-to-day tasks like walking up the stairs, bathing and getting
dressed can be painful for someone experiencing a
flare-up."
Delving deeper into the real-life impact of atopic
dermatitis
A new UK-wide survey of people with moderate-to-severe atopic
dermatitis[4] found that the disease can impact
every aspect of an individual's life. Difficulty sleeping emerged
as a significant problem, affecting 75% of those surveyed; with the
constant itching and pain when trying to sleep, leaving people
feeling tired and restless in the day.[4]
For some people, the impact of unpredictable flare-ups and
feelings of self-consciousness can also lead to symptoms of anxiety
or depression.[4]
- 80% of survey participants reported that atopic dermatitis has
a direct impact on their mood. In interviews, participants reported
feeling anxious, especially in public and social settings, and
feeling that they're being looked at and judged by
others[4]
- 57% admitted they feel depressed because of their skin with
some taking antidepressants to try and help the
situation[4]
- 60% of male participants and 55% of female participants noted
that their self-esteem and self-confidence is frequently impacted
due to their skin condition[4]
- 56% reported finding it hard to be intimate with their partner
when their skin is bad[4]
"Despite affecting over one and a
half million adults in the UK, too few
people understand the inflammatory and unpredictable nature of
atopic dermatitis. For many people, it's the unseen
consequences, the emotional and psychological impact hiding beneath
the surface that makes the disease most difficult to live
with," says Dr Anthony
Bewley, Consultant Dermatologist at Whipps Cross University
Hospital and the Royal London Hospital. "Itchy skin is
considered to be one of the worst symptoms; it can be physically
debilitating. However, the associated restlessness, sleepless
nights, and sore, broken skin can have a severe impact on a
person's daily functioning, mental health and
self-esteem."
The patient perspective
"Just trying to fall asleep can take up to two hours because
of itching and general restlessness. Staying asleep is another
issue; four hours is all I can manage most
nights," commented one survey
participant.[4]
"My partner now sleeps in our spare room which is
heart-breaking. I keep him awake with my
scratching - he said I shake the bed I
scratch so viciously," said
another.[4]
"I'm not sure that people could ever understand how it feels
or how debilitating it can be," commented
another.[4]
Scratching beneath the surface
"Diseases like atopic dermatitis are often trivialised and
seen as 'just a skin problem', thus the real-life
burden is not always recognised," said
Dr Jasmin Hussein, Head
of Immunology - Dermatology &
Respiratory at Sanofi UK & Ireland. "This is why Scratch
Beneath the Surface has been developed by Sanofi in collaboration
with Allergy UK - to increase understanding
towards those living with atopic dermatitis and raise awareness of
the reality of this sometimes life-long, life-changing
disease."
Visit http://www.scratchbeneaththesurface.co.uk to
learn more about atopic dermatitis, including how to spot the signs
and symptoms of the disease. You will also find useful
information about the inflammatory nature of atopic dermatitis and
real-life insights from people who live with the disease every
day.
About Sanofi
Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health
challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on
human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative
treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few
who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term
chronic conditions.
With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is
transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around
the globe.
For more information please
visit http://www.sanofi.co.uk.
References:
1. Nutten S. Atopic Dermatitis: Global Epidemiology and Risk
Factors. Ann Nutr Metab 2015;66 (suppl 1): 8-16.
2. Office for National Statistics. 2014 UK mid-year population
estimate. Available
at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationprojections/bulletins/nationalpopulationprojections/2015-10-29 (Accessed
April 2018).
3. NHS Choices. Atopic Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis). Available
at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/ (Accessed
April 2018).
4. Sanofi data on file, March
2018.
5. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin
Diseases. Handout on Health: Atopic Dermatitis (A type of eczema)
2013. Available
at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis(Accessed
April 2018).
Media Relations Contact
Stefanie Holman
Sanofi UK & Ireland
Tel.: +44-01865-405-200 or +44-07740-935-273
stefanie.holman@sanofi.com
Media Relations Contact
Victoria Hemphill
Chamberlain Healthcare PR
Tel.: +44-0207-611-8053 or
victoria.hemphill@syneoshealth.com