The largest and most comprehensive study ever conducted into the impact of eczema on patients' lives and relationships recently took place for National Eczema week, highlighting the need for a better understanding and awareness of the problems involved with eczema and its accompanying dry, itchy skin symptoms and the few really effective solutions that are available.
The National Eczema Society in London, England recently revealed the following results:
A total of 2,002 patients and caregivers were interviewed in eight countries, namely France (300 patients), Germany (300 patients), Mexico (150 patients), the Netherlands (200 patients), Poland (151 patients), Spain (300 patients), UK (200 patients), and US (401 patients). The study included patients with atopic eczema (60%), and caregivers of children with atopic eczema aged two and above (40%).
Study participants were assessed by their physicians as having moderate or severe atopic eczema. Moderate patients had 8 flare-ups a year on average, with each flare-up lasting an average of 14 days. Severe patients had 11 flare-ups a year on average, each lasting an average of 17 days. In both cases 3-4 body areas were typically affected.
Research was conducted by NOP World Health and the study questionnaire was developed in conjunction with patient advocacy groups and leading clinicians in the countries involved. Face-to-face and telephone interviews were carried out between July and September 2004. The study was funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Novartis Pharma AG.
Results were weighted to reflect the number of atopic eczema patients in each country, as follows: France 2.3 million, Germany 2.3m, Mexico 4.9m, Netherlands 0.4m, Poland 0.8m, Spain 2.5m, UK 4.8m, US 17.4m. Patients with moderate-to-severe disease make up around 60% of these totals. The US results were by far the highest.
"We have been aware of how widespread this skin problem is and as a result started our research some time ago," said Dr. Wayne Weber, the Director of Research and Development for Gloves In A Bottle, Inc. "The ability of our Shielding Lotion to bond with the surface layer of the skin helps protect it from outside irritants and helps prevent unnecessary dehydration. This shows promise as an effective treatment of many skin problems, particularly eczema." He added, "The mechanics are quite simple. While 'Gloves In A Bottle' does its protective work, the skin has a chance to naturally regenerate healthy tissue".
