National Eczema Society – so much more than a charity

The National Eczema Society focuses entirely on the needs of people with eczema and their families. And with around one in 12 adults and one in five children affected by eczema in the UK today, the need for support is greater than ever.

In a world where people are often judged on their looks and society scorns imperfection, the National Eczema Society helps those who feel trapped inside their cracked, bleeding, itching skin.

Eczema has increased three-fold over the last 30 years. It is a complex, multifactor, long term condition which can be a very different experience for each person who has it. While there is still no cure, learning how to manage the condition and its possible triggers can make a world of difference to the patient, making it vital that people have access to good quality information and support when needed.

The National Eczema Society was launched back in 1975 following a letter in the Guardian about the agony of raising a child with eczema, by the late Christine Orton. Today the Society continues to offer support, information and guidance to thousands of people with eczema and their carers each year, as well as providing a wealth of services for healthcare professionals.

In the last 12 months the Society has focused on patient support by extending its dedicated helpline hours to 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday (0870 241 3604) and by launching an email response service (helpline@eczema.org), which in particular aims to give young eczema sufferers a place to turn to for support using a medium they are comfortable with.

The NES works closely with healthcare professionals and the importance of its work is recognised and supported by all directly relevant professional bodies, including the British Association of Dermatologists, British Dermatology Nursing Group and the Primary Care Dermatology Society.

There may be no cure for eczema, but with good patient education, concordance is enhanced, patients can be empowered to manage the condition and so improve their quality of life beyond all recognition.

The NES is a recognised source of independent, patient focused information on an enormous range of eczema related topics including emollient choice, correct application of topical steroids, fact sheets on the new topical immunomodulators and life style information such as lists of cotton stockists.

All NES information is quality assessed through a review process with its scientific committee whose membership includes leaders in the field of dermatology.

A Healthcare Professional Membership Scheme was launched in 2002 in response to demand for more information about eczema from healthcare professionals treating people with skin conditions. The Scheme provides detailed information and support for doctors, nurses and pharmacists, alongside a dedicated help line, password protected professional members website and online and hard copy access to all the Society's printed information for patients.

National Eczema Week 2003 saw the launch of the Society's School's Pack which was designed to improve the quality of life at school for the 20% of UK school children who have eczema. Based on the national curriculum, the unique pack is designed to help teachers educate their pupils and improve understanding of the condition from a young age. Free copies of the packs can be ordered by calling 0870 240 7183.

Building on the success of the School's Pack, that often forgotten group, teenagers with eczema, also now has access to improved help and support thanks to the Society's new information booklet, 'Live your Life!'. The booklet is written in a language young people can relate to and is full of down to earth practical advice and real life case studies to help teenagers cope with the day to day realities of living with eczema.

This year's National Eczema Week focussed on eczema at work with the launch of two new guides to contact dermatitis and also marked the launch of the Society's new guidelines to help practice nurses set up and manage eczema clinics to improve patient education, management of the condition and reduce waiting times.

The Guidelines can be ordered from the Society's professional information service on 020 7561 8230 / professional@eczema.org and are available free of charge.

For free copies of the teens leaflet, or the contact dermatitis booklets – one for patients, one for employers and occupational health staff, please contact the patient helpline.

Joining the Society means individuals and their families need never feel alone or misinformed again. Contact is provided with likeminded people alongside quarterly issues of 'Exchange' a magazine with member's letters, professional advice and the latest product and research news.

For healthcare professionals, joining the National Eczema Society gives instant access to a professional charity which understands your and your patients' needs. The Society and its resources are there to help you help your patients by enhancing everyone's understanding of eczema and its many management techniques.

Professional Membership costs £20 per annum for individuals, £40 per annum for practices and £60 per annum for dermatology departments (for more information look online at www.eczema.org/professionalmembership.htm or contact our professional information line : 020 7561 8239 / professional@eczema.org.

For patient membership information (£20 per annum) call 0207 281 3553 or look online at www.eczema.org.

National Eczema Society
Registered Charity Number 1009671
Hill House
Highgate Hill
London N19 5NA

020 7281 3553
Patient Helpline 0870 241 3604 helpline@eczema.org
Professional Information Line 020 7561 8230 professional@eczema.org
www.eczema.org

 

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