In a recent survey of MyEczemaTeam members, respondents discussed the impact atopic dermatitis had on their quality of life and emotional well-being. Members also shared which symptoms they’ve experienced and their desired treatment outcomes.

Who Took the Survey?

MyEczemaTeam conducted a survey with 104 members in the United States who have been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.

The survey asked members about:

• The physical, social, and emotional impact that atopic dermatitis can have on their lives
• The symptoms they experienced in the past year
• Their top three desired treatment outcomes

MyEczemaTeam shares the results of our member surveys so our community can learn, collectively, from each other’s experiences.

Key Findings

Sixty-one percent of MyEczemaTeam members surveyed described their atopic dermatitis symptoms as moderate, while 21 percent said their symptoms are severe.

Atopic Dermatitis Affects Quality of Life

Members also shared that atopic dermatitis has affected their overall quality of life (73%), their work or education (44%), and their ability to have an active social life (44%).

In members’ own words:

• “I can’t wear shorts in the summertime. I bleed on the sheets at night. I can’t wear a tank top.”
• “The relentless itching wakes me up at night. I am constantly on edge from itching on my arms and legs.”
• “Annoying itching and it’s painful.”
• “Constant itching and scratching, red blotches.”

Atopic Dermatitis Influences Mental Health

Members described the mental health challenges associated with atopic dermatitis, including feeling anxious (62%), embarrassed (57%), or depressed (54%).

MyEczemaTeam members share how atopic dermatitis affects them:

• “When it is on my face, it has an impact on my looks.”
• “Mental health, constant pain, self-esteem.”
• “It affects me mentally, especially when it’s at its worst.”
• “Not wanting to be around people when flaring, and I do not want to answer the ‘What is wrong with you?’ question.”
• “Socializing. I stay at home a lot.”

Itching Was the Most Common Eczema Symptom

The most commonly experienced symptoms were itching (95%), redness (67%), sensitive skin (66%), cracked or dry skin (66%), and flaking and peeling skin (60%).

Members describe their most bothersome symptoms in their own words:

• “The look of my skin and the itching.”
• “Itching and skin discoloration.”
• “I don’t like the way my skin feels … dry and bumpy, always.”
• “My skin stays too dry.”
• “Scalp sores that itch and do not heal. My head is sore and itches. This has been going on for over two years!”

Stopping Itching and Improving Skin Appearance Are the Top Treatment Goals

Respondents’ top treatment goals mirrored their commonly experienced symptoms. These included reducing itching (88%), improving skin appearance (56%), reducing skin dryness and peeling (39%), and reducing the number and size of atopic dermatitis patches (34%).

Members Use Many Kinds of Eczema Treatments

Members rely on a variety of different treatments to address their most troubling atopic dermatitis symptoms. These treatments include over-the-counter moisturizers (63%), prescription steroid creams (54%), antihistamines (34%), prescription nonsteroid creams (23%), and biologics (19%).

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyEczemaTeam is a social network for people living with eczema. On MyEczemaTeam, more than 52,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand what it’s like to live with atopic dermatitis and other forms of eczema.

How does eczema affect you? What advice do you have for others? Describe your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.