Empowering the Eczema Community: NEA’s Vision for Support, Education, and Awareness

Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant in Chicago, Illinois, and a Dermatology Times Editorial Advisory Board member, interviewed Wendy Smith Begolka, MBS, the Chief Strategy Officer at the National Eczema Association (NEA), to discuss the organization’s mission, initiatives, and commitment to enhancing the lives of those affected by eczema.

The conversation highlighted NEA’s Blueprint 2025, a strategic plan focused on community engagement, knowledge dissemination, and collective action.

Building a Stronger Eczema Community

At the heart of NEA’s efforts is community connection. Begolka emphasized that many individuals with eczema struggle to find resources early in their journey, with NEA surveys showing that less than 1 in 5 patients discover NEA within 5 years of diagnosis.

“We want to find people and connect them to the National Eczema Association as soon as possible after they begin their eczema journey,” Begolka said.

She described NEA’s approach as a “big tent”, where:

• Community ensures that more people join the NEA network.
• Knowledge provides educational resources to help patients navigate their condition.
• Collective action mobilizes individuals to spread awareness and advocate for better care.

Bridging the Gap Between Patients and Health Care Providers

One of NEA’s key objectives is to engage health care professionals, particularly primary care providers and dermatologists, to improve eczema diagnosis and management.

“Eczema is seen across multiple specialties, not just in dermatology. We want to equip all providers with point-of-care resources that help them have more effective conversations with their patients,” Begolka explained.

Block agreed, stressing the importance of accessible educational tools for busy clinicians.

“In a clinic setting, we have 10-minute appointments, and there’s a lot of information to convey. Having a trusted resource like NEA gives patients a way to digest the information at their own pace and return with informed questions,” Block said.

NEA encourages health care providers to refer patients to its extensive online resources, reinforcing education between appointments and providing a support network for patients outside the exam room.

Educational Resources for Patients and Families

Recognizing the emotional and psychological burden of eczema, NEA offers comprehensive resources tailored to patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. These include:

• Patient education materials that break down treatment options and disease management.
• Webinars and community discussions featuring leading dermatologists and patient advocates.
• Advocacy programs to drive policy changes that improve patient access to care.

Block highlighted the significance of these tools, sharing her own approach in practice.

“Anyone in my office diagnosed with atopic dermatitis immediately gets a link to NEA’s website. The impact on quality of life is significant, and having a community to turn to is invaluable,” she said.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Eczema Care

With the health care landscape constantly evolving, NEA is committed to expanding its educational initiatives and ensuring that patients, families, and providers have access to the latest information and treatment advancements.

Begolka reaffirmed NEA’s dedication to fostering a well-informed, well-supported eczema community.

“We want to be an ally for both patients and health care providers, ensuring that people living with eczema feel empowered and supported throughout their journey,” she said.

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