26th September - 3rd October 1998

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that causes dryness, flaking and sometimes the formation of blisters that may weep and crust. In its mildest eczema causes dry, itchy patches of skin, but in severe cases it can affect the whole body, causing itching, inflammation, and severe discomfort.

In the UK, one in ten people suffer from eczema at some time in their lives and up to 15% of school children are likely to have a form of atopic eczema. An additional problem for many children and their parents is disturbed sleep that in turn affects their school and working life. Thankfully, for some children the effects of eczema diminish as they grow older.

National Eczema Week is organised by the National Eczema Society. The Society, founded in 1975, is a registered charity that has a membership of more than 13500. It produces a wide range of leaflets and information sheets covering different aspects of managing eczema. Through this and its many other varied activities, the Society is constantly working to improve the quality of life for people with eczema, other skin diseases and related conditions, and their carers.

This year's theme for Eczema Awareness Week is ‘Eczema and the Family'. There is a particular focus on coping with the stress that eczema can cause to family life.

During the week, the Society aims to:

• Raise public awareness of eczema and its affects through newspaper, TV and radio articles, poster campaigns and local events.
• Inform people with eczema and their carers about the support and information that the Society can provide.
• Raise funds to help provide and expand the Society's information and support services that include a joint programme with the National Asthma Campaign to provide holidays for children and young adults and a welfare fund that provides grants for low-income families.
• Raise funds for research into new treatments, and hopefully, an eventual cure.
• Launch a new 24 hour recorded information line.

The National Eczema Society
163 Eversholt Street
London NW1 1 BU

Tel: 0171-388 4097
Tel: 0990 118877 (Recorded Information Line: available 24 hours from 27th September 1997)