As part of Eczema Awareness Week 2017 (11th-17th September), we hosted our second annual free public meeting entitled ‘Eczema Expert’ in the Red Cow Moran Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin on 16th September for those with, or caring for someone with eczema.
It was a full house! People travelled from all around the country, from as far as Belfast, Donegal, Ennis and Kerry, to attend the meeting, which provided a great opportunity to meet other people and hear from the experts about genetic and environmental factors, current therapies, practical everyday tips and one individual’s inspiring story about living with eczema.
Guest speakers included Dr Rosemarie Watson, Consultant Dermatologist, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin and Irish Skin Foundation Board member, Mr Paul Herriott, Broadcaster/presenter with RTE Lyric FM, who has lived with eczema throughout his life, and Ms Katherine Eve, Dermatology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
Dr Watson gave a really comprehensive, interesting and informative talk which included the importance of the skin barrier, genetic and environmental factors in eczema, as well as current and emerging therapies.
Paul Herriott, with his good humour and encouragement, gave an honest insight into the challenges that living with eczema can present. It was evident on the day that a lot of the audience could identify with his experience.
Katherine Eve expanded on the practical day to day management of eczema, with a particular focus on the use of emollients. Eczema Awareness week coincides with ‘back to school’. This time of year can be an extremely stressful time for children with eczema as well as their parents. Katherine provided lots of useful hints and tips to help ease the transition back into the classroom environment, and navigate the particular challenges that eczema can present in these circumstances.
The three talks sparked considerable audience engagement and discussion. Attendees had the opportunity to visit the many exhibitor stands at the event, and also received a copy of our eczema booklet. Feedback from the event was hugely positive.
For more information about Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema, visit our Eczema Section to download our booklet, What you need to know about Eczema or contact the ISF Nurse Helpline.
