“The Ecz-hibition”: Putting Eczema on Display This Eczema Awareness Month

Around this time each year, millions of people across the United States gather to observe Eczema Awareness Month. This year, the awareness campaign goes by the theme “The Ecz-hibition,” which aims to highlight the lived experiences of eczema sufferers.

Halloween is not the only event that many Americans observe during October. It’s also when millions nationwide gather for Eczema Awareness Month (EAM), an important campaign led by the National Eczema Association (NEA). The NEA reports that around 31.6 million people in the USA suffer from eczema. That’s nearly 10% of the current population!

So many suffer from this chronic skin condition that NEA deemed it necessary to shed light on it to raise awareness and provide practical support for those affected. They have since used the annual observance of EAM to encourage as many individuals as possible to understand eczema better and take the initiative to support the community living with the condition.

“The Ecz-hibition” Highlights Lived Eczema Experience

The theme for this year’s EAM awareness campaign is “The Ecz-hibition,” which seeks to amplify the voices of Americans living with eczema and draw attention to the courage and resilience it takes to manage this condition. This year’s campaign will focus on the lived experiences of people who manage eczema—the emotional, psychological, and social burdens they must face daily.

Just imagine—1 in 10 Americans live with eczema! The NEA hopes to showcase the personal stories of these people to increase understanding and empathy about eczema and ultimately dispel myths that this irritating skin condition is “just a skin rash.”

They aim to do so through a social media-driven awareness campaign where authentic, close-up images of eczema flare-ups will be featured. Each photo will be paired with a self-written poem by an eczema sufferer, reflecting what life is like living with eczema.

As the theme implies, NEA’s wish is to forge stronger support networks, encourage better treatments, and call for ongoing research through clinical images paired with the raw words of eczema community members. Your support is crucial in this journey.

Why Eczema Awareness Month Matters

Living with eczema can feel isolating. Imagine going out in public with inflamed, itchy, and cracked patches of skin on your face, hands, or even feet. Some people may steer clear of you because they are ill-informed of your condition.

They do not know that environmental factors, allergens, and stress can trigger flare-ups. They may not even be aware that eczema is not contagious, although it can affect a sufferer’s way of life profoundly.

This is why EAM matters. The efforts put into planning the yearly themes are so that more and more people can learn about this condition. Moreover, it allows people to connect, share stories, and learn from one another.

The yearly campaigns raise awareness concerning eczema’s more profound impacts on affected individuals and open the way for the community to work together to improve their lives.

You Can Get Involved

Whether you’re personally affected by eczema or want to support those suffering from the condition, you can support EAM. Here are ways you can do so:

• Use your social media platforms to spread awareness about eczema. Support your post with facts, personal stories, and even treatment options.
• Many organizations, including the NEA, hold fundraising events to raise money for research and patient support programs. You can support these fundraising efforts.
• During Eczema Awareness Month, look for local or virtual events such as webinars, educational sessions, or walks for a cause. You can attend or volunteer at these events.
• Share this awareness video produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to others who may have misguided notions about eczema:

Your active involvement, whether as a sufferer or a supporter, is a meaningful way to show that you are one with the eczema community. It’s also a great way to show you’re contributing to finding better solutions for managing this chronic condition.

How Cottonique Supports Eczema Sufferers

Where does Cottonique figure in all these? Our brand understands that there is more to eczema than just treating the skin. It’s also about finding daily relief from irritation, minimizing flare-ups, and feeling comfortable in your own skin. That’s why we create products specifically designed to ease the discomfort brought about by eczema, especially when your skin flares up.

For instance, our Allergy-Free Therapeutic Arm Sleeves are a game-changer for wet wrap therapy users. Wet wrap therapy is when damp bandages or clothing are applied over topical medications. There’s a two-fold reason for this: 1) to help reduce inflammation and 2) to lock in moisture.

Our arm sleeves are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton fabric and 100% cotton thread, making them perfect for sensitive skin since these are made without harsh chemicals or allergens that could aggravate eczema. The fabric is soft and breathable, allowing the skin to heal minus the irritation while providing the necessary coverage to maintain moisture and aid the skin’s recovery process.

Eczema can affect various body parts, including the hands since these are constantly exposed to external elements like irritants, allergens, and frequent washing. Our Hypoallergenic Gloves, made without latex or synthetic materials, offer a protective barrier that helps reduce exposure to triggers while soothing the skin.

You can use them during daily activities or for nighttime protection. These gloves can help prevent irritation and protect sensitive skin from further damage.

Our 100% Organic Cotton Hypoallergenic Neck Protection Sleeve is a must-have for eczema sufferers who experience flares-ups on the neck. Made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, this sleeve provides a gentle and effective barrier between your sensitive skin and potential irritants. It’s soft, breathable, and free from harsh chemicals, making it perfect for individuals prone to irritation and allergic reactions.

Whether you’re seeking relief from eczema or other skin sensitivities, this hypoallergenic sleeve offers much-needed comfort and protection, minimizing flare-ups while allowing the skin to heal.

We desire to make life a little easier and more bearable for eczema sufferers by providing gentle, hypoallergenic clothing options like these. We are here to support your journey to healthier skin every step of the way.

Embrace Awareness and Action

Eczema Awareness Month is vital for raising visibility around this often misunderstood condition. May “The Ecz-hibition” campaign motivate everyone to listen closely to the stories of those affected by eczema.

By educating ourselves and others, we not only create a more supportive environment for individuals living with eczema. We also gain a deeper understanding of the condition's emotional and psychological impact on their lives.

Let us all try to make a difference during EAM by sharing resources, offering support, or raising awareness.