Understand AD: The Educational Campaign Helping Teens Living with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Sanofi and Regeneron, in partnership with the National Eczema Association (NEA), have launched the next phase ofUnderstand AD, a disease awareness initiative focused on educating people about moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD).¹

AD is known as the most common form of eczema. It is defined as a chronic inflammatory skin disease with flare-ups driven in part by a malfunction in the immune system. AD is one of the most burdensome dermatological diseases globally with no cure. This skin condition can have a significant physical and psychological impact on the people who suffer from it.²

Eczema specialist Dr. Mercedes E. Gonzalez, psychotherapist Christine Triano, MSW, LCSW, and patient-peer Tyler Berryman who lives with severe AD, have come together to form theUnderstand ADsquad. This new campaign documents the squad going into the home of 17-year-old Isaiah Dixon, who has been suffering with severe AD since he was two-years-old.¹

Isaiah lives with debilitating disease symptoms, including: intense, persistent itching, skin lesions, skin dryness, cracking, redness, crusting, and oozing. 400,000 adolescents in the United States suffer with these same symptoms of AD, which causes an impact in their school life. 46% of 14-17-year-olds with the disease are effected, reporting missing an average of 26 days of school per year.¹

Through a video series, Isaiah and his family share their experiences on navigating life with AD, as it has impacted them both physically and mentally. Isaiah’s symptoms have caused frequent hospitalizations, school absences, and emotional stress for him and his loved ones. These videos and other resources in the new campaign are intended to help provide guidance to other teens and their families who are living with AD.¹

References

1. Educational campaign helps teens and their caregivers tackle the everyday challenges of living with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis [news release]. Cambridge, MA and Tarrytown, NY; September 18, 2019: Sanofi website. http://www.news.sanofi.us/2019-09-18-Educational-campaign-helps-teens-and-their-caregivers-tackle-the-everyday-challenges-of-living-with-moderate-to-severe-atopic-dermatitis. Accessed September 18, 2019.
2. Understanding AD. The Understand AD website. https://understandad.com/. Accessed September 18, 2019.