Kristin Belleson: Navigating Eczema Awareness

The National Eczema Association (NEA) is highlighting the lived experience of eczema with weekly themes throughout October as part of Eczema Awareness Month. Each week sheds light on different aspects of the disease.

Dermatology Times recently spoke with Kristin Belleson, president and CEO of the NEA, to discuss the NEA's theme: "The eczema community is here to inspire you.” Belleson shared ways patients with eczema can find a community of support, highlighting how dermatology clinicians can play an essential role in fostering a sense of belonging and understanding for patients with eczema.

Kristin Belleson | Image Credit: © National Eczema Association

The Importance of Community Support

Belleson emphasized the significant impact that community support has on the emotional and physical well-being of eczema patients.

“One of our main focuses is de-stigmatizing eczema and sharing real-life stories from people, including art and different ways that our community has expressed themselves,” she explained. This initiative allows individuals to connect through shared experiences, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and encouraging open conversations about their struggles.

The NEA actively engages the community through its Ambassador Program, which pairs individuals who have experienced similar types of eczema or belong to the same demographic.

“By utilizing our ambassadors, we’re able to share a lot of the tools and resources we have available,” Belleson noted. This grassroots approach fosters connection among patients, facilitating peer support and empowering them to manage their conditions more effectively.

Fostering Connection in Clinical Settings

Dermatology clinicians play a pivotal role in bridging the gap for eczema patients who may feel isolated due to their condition. Belleson highlighted several strategies health care providers can employ to nurture a sense of belonging among their patients.

“By utilizing physicians, dermatologists, and health care providers in the dermatology space, we’re able to have them also share our resources,” she said.

One such resource is the NEA’s EczemaWise app, which provides patients with overviews of treatment plans and helps them connect with health care providers.

“We also encourage dermatologists to become part of our Eczema Provider Finder directory,” Belleson added. This directory assists patients in finding local providers who understand their unique needs and can offer appropriate support and treatment options.

Bridging the Understanding Gap

Belleson acknowledged that many eczema patients often feel misunderstood by society, leading to increased feelings of frustration and isolation.

“There is data out there that speaks to that issue,” she noted, pointing to the mental health challenges frequently associated with chronic skin conditions.

To combat this issue, she urged dermatologists to take an active role in educating both patients and their families about eczema.

Dermatologists can help address this knowledge gap by informing patients about the latest treatment options available.

“Over the last five to seven years, the number of new options for treatments has really become abundant, which is fantastic,” Belleson explained. By sharing information about these developments and resources provided by the NEA, health care providers can significantly enhance patient understanding and engagement.

Resources for Clinicians

As Eczema Awareness Month continues, Belleson shared several resources that clinicians may consider integrating into their practice. The NEA recently launched a Visual Guide, which serves as the largest freely available image gallery of atopic dermatitis across diverse skin tones.

“This visual guide helps health care providers and the public appreciate the clinical diversity of atopic dermatitis and specifically eczema,” she explained.

Moreover, Belleson encouraged clinicians to utilize materials available through the NEA for their practices and telehealth visits, ensuring they are equipped with the most current and comprehensive information.

“We want to continue collaboration with our dermatologists and individuals in the dermatology space,” she emphasized.

A Call to Action

In closing, Belleson underscored the importance of ongoing support and resources for patients with eczema. She encouraged clinicians to point patients to the NEA’s website and EczemaWise app, highlighting the app’s potential to serve as a vital resource for both patients and health care providers.