ATOPIC dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, is greatly misunderstood in Malaysia according to the "More Than Skin Deep: Atopic Dermatitis in Malaysia Report."
Low awareness and persistent misconceptions contribute to delayed diagnosis and poor management of the condition.
Over 20 percent of Malaysian children are affected by atopic dermatitis and many continue to experience symptoms well into adulthood.
The #UncoverLife – Atopic Dermatitis, More Than Skin Deep campaign aims to rally patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals to break free from the condition.
The campaign, organised in conjunction with World Atopic Dermatitis Day which fell on Sept 14, is being done in collaboration with award-winning Malaysian comic artist Erica Eng and the Malaysia Eczema Society.
Dermatological Society of Malaysia president and consultant dermatologist, Datuk Dr Noor Zalmy Azizan, says there is a great need for awareness among patients and the public as misconceptions get in the way of people seeking medical advice and treatment.
The collaboration with Eng in the campaign is to develop a webcomic series so that others can see atopic dermatitis from a patient's perspective. By presenting the condition in a visual and easy-to-understand medium, more patients will seek proper diagnosis and care so they can experience better quality of life and support from others. Eng has first-hand experience with atopic dermatitis.
"I know what it feels like - the discomfort, the itching, the sleeplessness, the inconvenience of it all. At first, I didn't even know what it was, and it was a relief to be diagnosed so that I knew what to do."
She hopes everyone who reads the comics will have a better understanding of how patients feel and the challenges they face, and share the comics widely for others to learn as well.
While the true prevalence of atopic dermatitis is unknown as many patients remain undiagnosed, it is a fact that it affects patients in many ways, from their physical appearance to their mental health, and also their ability to study and work says consultant dermatologist and exco member of the Dermatological Society of Malaysia, Dr Peter Ch'ng Wee Beng.
He explains that most people don't understand the burden of living with atopic dermatitis. Apart from visible signs such as dry, flaking skin or a scale-like appearance that causes people to stare, atopic dermatitis can also cause intense itching that is difficult to ignore and keeps patients from sleeping well, while those with cracked skin on their hands and feet find even basic, daily tasks to be a challenge.
In recognition of this, the More Than Skin Deep: Atopic Dermatitis in Malaysia Report also highlights the need for improved support networks for patients. It recommends the formation of a national patient support group to offer emotional and psychological support in coping with issues like loneliness and social stigma.
Such a group would also play an important role in providing credible information and help to dispel myths. A lot of well-meaning advice is based on myths that are perpetuated online.
"Many patients are still told that atopic dermatitis is just a simple skin condition that is easily cured with this remedy or that, or they are treated like outcasts because others believe it is contagious or caused by poor hygiene. This takes a heavy toll on a patient's mental health," explains consultant paediatric dermatologist and advisor to the patient support group of the Malaysia Eczema Society, Dr Leong Kin Fon.
Patients need more understanding and support, which should come from a consolidated source such as a national patient support group that consists of fellow patients, with advice from a relevant medical body such as the Dermatological Society of Malaysia, adds Dr Leong.
Experts agree that peer support works hand-in-hand with effective treatment and management of the disease.
Fellow patients can be a good source of assistance to others, encouraging them to get a proper diagnosis, seek medical advice, and comply with treatment so that they can manage their condition well, says Dr Ch'ng.
Furthermore, as atopic dermatitis is a complex condition that affects each patient differently, those with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis may benefit from additional forms of therapy, such as biologics, that are prescribed by specialists.
This underscores the importance of diagnosis and treatment, without which patients may not experience significant improvement in the severity of their symptoms.
The #UncoverLife webcomic series is available on the microsite https://uncoverlife-ad.com/.
Find out more about atopic dermatitis from the Malaysia Eczema Society Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1226038834396732/
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