World Atopic Eczema Day
Next: September 14, 2027
More than skin deep.
The story
Where it comes from
World Atopic Eczema Day was launched on 14 September 2018 by two patient groups: GlobalSkin, the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations, and the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Associations (EFA). In Europe, EFA marked the first day at a dermatology congress in Paris with a photo exhibition, Atopical Lives, showing daily life with the condition. Atopic eczema is one of the most common skin diseases in the world, affecting more than 230 million people, and it is much harder on patients than most people realise.
How it's celebrated
Patient organisations in many countries share personal stories, hold talks and run social media campaigns using a shared campaign toolkit with a theme for the year. Friends and families can mark it simply, by learning what living with the constant itch involves and asking someone who has eczema how they are doing.
Did you know
- On 24 May 2025 the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution recognising skin diseases as a global public health priority.
- In Singapore, eczema affects about one in five children and one in ten adults, and it is the leading condition treated at the National Skin Centre.
- EFA's first report for the day, on severe eczema in Europe, was titled 'Itching for Life'.
Coming up next
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- World Patient Safety Day · September 17, 2027