Dermatologists have raised concerns over the widespread skin condition named Eczema which is negatively impacting the lives of 24 percent adolescents and 11 percent adult population in the UAE. Eczema is a common chronic skin condition that causes the skin to become dry, red, itchy and bumpy. While it can affect all age groups, it is particularly widespread among children.

Type 2 inflammation is an overactive immune system response that causes this severe skin problem among other factors including genetics, environmental triggers, and stress.

Addressing a recent summit, doctors said eczema can have a serious and lasting impact on the quality of life and overall mental and physical health of patients. Doctors also linked Eczema to increased risk of health conditions such as asthma, hay fever, food allergy, obesity and heart disease.

The statistics appear more stressful in other countries across the GCC region. During a conference in Dubai, doctors revealed that 15 percent of adults in Saudi Arabia and 17 percent of adults in Kuwait are affected by this chronic skin condition.

“One doctor was sharing with me about the case of a five-year-old child who is not able to eat well and is not able to sleep the whole night,” said Jean-Paul Scheuer, MCO lead and general manager for Sanofi Greater Gulf.

Scheuer added that the kid could hardly go to school before treatment.

The high-level summit was organised by Sanofi to raise awareness about new the latest innovations and breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment and care of type 2 inflammatory skin conditions. The three-day hybrid event saw the participation of leading dermatologists from across the world along with 23 international speakers. More than 200 doctors who are specialised in dermatology attended the summit from across the region.

Discussing the details of another case study, Scheuer said that a 25-year-old could not go to work because of the itch such that it impact her work and life. After treatment, she is leading a normal life, the doctor added.

According to Scheuer, around 8,000 patients with moderate to severe eczema have received treatment in the region. Furthermore, more than 1,000 doctors have been prescribing innovative therapy that has revolutionised eczema treatment in the country and the region.

Dr Muna Al Murrawi, consultant dermatologist and president of Emirates Dermatologists Society, further underlined the need for promoting awareness among the public about eczema and other skin diseases.

She hailed the summit as a great platform to improve the knowledge of the public about inflammatory skin diseases. She stressed the importance of creating awareness among the population about eczema and other type 2 inflammatory skin diseases.

"Educating on preventive measures is crucial because when eczema starts to aggravate, it might also have a secondary bacterial infection from the scratching, necessitating systemic therapy,” she added.

SOURCE: Khaleej Times

LINK: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/health/uae-24-of-adolescents-suffer-from-eczema-say-doctors