In Control...

You are not alone! As many as one out of three people in this part of the world suffer from the skin condition known as eczema. (Often referred to as some form of dermatitis.) Whether you have eczema or are looking after someone with it, this site will help you take control of the painful itch, rash and other symptoms of eczema. While there is no cure for eczema, proper treatment and regular care can make it more manageable. You'll find useful information here on how to live each day with positive and practical tips.

THE BRICK WALL MODEL OF THE SKIN

This illustration may help you to understand the role and importance of a healthy and intact skin barrier in people who are predisposed to eczema. The skin barrier protects the body from the environment and prevents the penetration of irritants and allergens through the skin. The upper part of the skin forms a barrier that protects the individual from the environment. The brick wall model, is an analogy of the skin and the skin barrier where skins cells are seen as bricks. The lipid layer which surrounds the skins cells, is analogous to mortar which holds the bricks together. This mortar protects skin cells and corneodesmosomes (iron rods) from the environment. In tall brick walls, iron rods are passed down through holes in bricks in order to give the wall more greater strength. In the skin barrier model these iron rods are like binders that lock the skins cells together and helps to provide strength in the skin.

Tiny cracks in skin barrier key to developing eczema

New evidence suggests that a defective skin barrier is the primary cause of eczema, not the immune system, as previously thought.

European and American Consensus Report: Management Guidelines for patients with Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema

New international guidelines recommend stepwise management of atopic dermatitis for children and adults

Fed up with eczema?

If you’re one of the million+ Australians affected by eczema, here are ways to gain better control of symptoms like itch and flare. Download this helpful 4-page guide, ‘Fed up with eczema?’ for useful explanations and tips in everyday living.

Eczema Control Receives Award Nomination

The 2004 AIMIA Awards (the Australian Interactive Media Industry Association) recently distinguished the highest achievers for online content and services. We are proud to announce that for the second year running, this site was a finalist in the Health Category for these awards. For more details, visit www.aimia.com.au/awards

The Impact of Eczema

ISOLATE (standing for International Study Of Life with ATopic Eczema) is the largest and most comprehensive study ever conducted into the impact of eczema on patients' lives and relationships. Two thousand eczema sufferers or their carers in 8 countries were interviewed in this study. with comments and findings summarized here relating to emotional health, career choice, school or work experience, bullying, relationships and more. For example, 75% of patients and carers said that being able to control their eczema effectively would be the single most important inmprovement to their quality of life.

The 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. The study was funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Novartis Pharma AG.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eczema is often misunderstood as an allergy or a contagious skin condition. It is neither! Get the facts here with questions people ask most-and answers!

Is it eczema?

Take this quick questionnaire to find out more about your skin condition.