Shed the Shame
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It’s tough to have a skin condition. The impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) is much more than “skin deep”, though. The weight on the emotional and mental health of people living with AD, and especially those who are children and youth, can be profound.
Imagine not being able to take a hot bath or shower, or go swimming with friends, or participate in your favourite sports. Imagine having to avoid wearing certain types of clothing and not being able to eat some of your favourite foods.
AD can feel like “having chicken pox 24 hours a day, 7 days a week” or “sleeping on a bed of nails.” It is uncomfortable and can be painful. Many people with moderate to severe AD live with chronic sleep deprivation, making their daytime responsibilities at school or work, behind the wheel, studying or parenting that much more challenging.
AD is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects up to 17% of individuals in Canada. Mild AD is characterized by dry, red and itchy skin while those with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis experience thickened skin, and lesions that ooze and bleed during flare-ups.
When you know better, you do better. The Shed the Shame campaign is dedicated to creating awareness of the social, emotional and mental health impacts of AD. It is hoped that all Canadians will have a better awareness of all the effects of AD and can be more sensitive toward and connected to individuals with AD.
Imagine not being able to take a hot bath or shower, or go swimming with friends, or participate in your favourite sports. Imagine having to avoid wearing certain types of clothing and not being able to eat some of your favourite foods.
AD can feel like “having chicken pox 24 hours a day, 7 days a week” or “sleeping on a bed of nails.” It is uncomfortable and can be painful. Many people with moderate to severe AD live with chronic sleep deprivation, making their daytime responsibilities at school or work, behind the wheel, studying or parenting that much more challenging.
AD is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects up to 17% of individuals in Canada. Mild AD is characterized by dry, red and itchy skin while those with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis experience thickened skin, and lesions that ooze and bleed during flare-ups.
When you know better, you do better. The Shed the Shame campaign is dedicated to creating awareness of the social, emotional and mental health impacts of AD. It is hoped that all Canadians will have a better awareness of all the effects of AD and can be more sensitive toward and connected to individuals with AD.
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The Shed The Shame campaign was made possible with the support of Sanofi Canada
