CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and
TARRYTOWN, N.Y., Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey of
505 American adults (18 years of age and older) who self-reported
being diagnosed with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD)
shows that the disease goes beyond the physical signs and symptoms,
negatively impacting people's lives socially and psychologically.
The results, unveiled today during Eczema Awareness Month, show
that a majority of respondents are making lifestyle modifications,
and that some have made career choices that limit face-to-face
interactions with others because of the disease. The survey, part
of the national awareness campaign Understand AD, was
conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of Sanofi Genzyme and
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
"We hear first-hand from people living with this disease that
many aspects of their everyday life are impacted," said
Julie Block, President and CEO,
National Eczema Association. "They routinely deal with intense itch
and pain, and feeling self-conscious because of the way their skin
looks. People share that they feel depressed and anxious because of
their disease."
Out of the 505 Americans with moderate-to-severe atopic
dermatitis who responded to the Understand AD survey:
- 53 percent reported that their disease has negatively impacted
their daily lives
- 82 percent have made lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding
social engagements, being in pictures and participating in
sports/exercise
- 55 percent reported that their confidence was negatively
impacted due to their disease
- 49 percent say their sleep has been negatively impacted by the
disease, moderately or significantly
- 23 percent of people feel depressed and 28 percent feel anxious
due to their AD
- 20 percent report that their AD has impacted their ability to
maintain employment and 16 percent have made career choices that
limit face-to-face interactions with others because of the
disease
The survey also found that nearly 70 percent of respondents
often or sometimes experience flares while on treatment. In fact,
people reported using a range of treatments to manage their disease
including prescription therapies, over-the-counter medications,
alternative medicine like acupuncture, and even vitamins and herbal
supplements.
"Despite currently available treatment options, people living
with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis still struggle to manage
their disease," said Susan Tofte,
MS, BSN, FNP-C, past President of the Dermatology Nurses'
Association. "These survey results reaffirm what our community of
nurses sees regularly with the people they are treating for this
disease – the total impact goes beyond the physical symptoms. It's
important for all of us to do our part in recognizing this is more
than just a skin disease."
Visit www.UnderstandAD.com for additional survey findings, hear
from people living with the disease, and to get connected with
advocates such as the National Eczema Association and Dermatology
Nurses' Association. Award-winning chef, media personality and
restaurateur Elizabeth Falkner, who
has lived with atopic dermatitis for the past 20 years, also shares
her personal experience on the website.
About Moderate-to-Severe Atopic
Dermatitis
Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, a serious,
chronic form of eczema,i is characterized by rashes and can include
intense itching, skin dryness, cracking, redness, crusting, and
oozing.ii Even though atopic dermatitis symptoms appear on the
skin, they are fueled by a continuous cycle of underlying
inflammation triggered in part by a malfunction in the immune
system.iii People living with the physical
symptoms of atopic dermatitis may also feel self-conscious and
embarrassed about their appearance and may experience anxiety,
depression, and feelings of social
isolation.iv,v,vi,vii,viii,ix,x
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global healthcare leader,
discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused
on patients' needs. Sanofi is organized into five global business
units: Diabetes and Cardiovascular, General Medicines and Emerging
Markets, Sanofi Genzyme, Sanofi Pasteur and Merial. Sanofi is
listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN)
and in New York (NYSE: SNY).
Sanofi Genzyme focuses on developing specialty treatments for
debilitating diseases that are often difficult to diagnose and
treat, providing hope to patients and their families.
Genzyme® is a registered trademark of Genzyme
Corporation. Sanofi® is a registered trademark of
Sanofi. All rights reserved.
About Regeneron Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.
Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) is a leading science-based
biopharmaceutical company based in Tarrytown, New York that discovers, invents,
develops, manufactures, and commercializes medicines for the
treatment of serious medical conditions. Regeneron commercializes
medicines for eye diseases, high LDL cholesterol and a rare
inflammatory condition and has product candidates in development in
other areas of high unmet medical need, including rheumatoid
arthritis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, pain, cancer, and infectious
diseases. For additional information about the company, please
visit www.regeneron.com or follow @Regeneron on Twitter.
About the National Eczema Association
The National
Eczema Association (NEA) is a non-profit 501(c) (3) patient
advocacy organization whose mission is to improve the health and
quality of life for individuals with eczema through research,
support, and education. In the United States alone, over 10% of the
population has some form of atopic dermatitis/eczema. NEA was
founded in 1988 by a group of patients, medical professionals, and
parents to help individuals and families living with this skin
disease live healthier lives. Through a variety of educational
materials, including a quarterly patient-oriented magazine, a
monthly electronic magazine, and trustworthy website, NEA reaches
out to a diverse audience that includes eczema patients,
caregivers, medical professionals, and other stakeholders. NEA also
conducts educational events for patients and participates in a
wide-variety of medical symposiums. NEA is active year round to
promote eczema awareness, break through stereotypes and address
issues critical to patient care. Advocacy efforts include advancing
increases in skin disease research funding through the National
Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
(NIAMS) of the National Institutes of Health, as well as increasing
public understanding regarding the burden of eczema. NEA provides a
network of support groups, an up-to-date website with the latest
research and treatment information, a Seal of Acceptance program
for over-the-counter products to help eczema patients navigate the
myriad of products necessary for their daily skin care regimen, and
a research program to advance scientific knowledge and care. All
NEA programs and services result in benefits for eczema patients
and their families. NEA does not endorse specific products. For
more information about the National Eczema Association, visit
www.nationaleczema.org, contact at info@nationaleczema.org, or call
1-800-818-7546.
About the Dermatology Nurses' Association
The
Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) is a professional nursing
organization comprised of a diverse group of individuals committed
to quality care through sharing knowledge and expertise. The core
purpose of the DNA is to promote excellence in dermatologic care.
Members include nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed
practical and vocational nurses, medical assistants and others
associated with dermatology nursing, who work in a variety of
settings including clinics, academic institutions, private
practice, public health centers, and government facilities. DNA
offers education and training in fundamental and cutting-edge
dermatology care and treatment through its annual convention, local
chapter meetings, dermatology nurse and nurse practitioner
certification review courses and expert workshops. Members of the
DNA's Nurse Practitioner Society are afforded tools, resources and
education focused on the needs of the advanced nurse practitioner.
The DNA Focus Newsletter and official journal, the Journal of
Dermatology Nurses' Association, extend the DNA's informational and
education presence with association and practice news,
learner-paced continuing education and timely resources.
Contacts Sanofi:
Media
Relations
Carrie
Brown
Tel: +1 (908)
981-6486
carrie.brown@sanofi.com
Contacts Sanofi:
Media
Relations
Ilana
Tabak
Tel: + 1 (914)
847-3836
Mobile: +1 (914)
450-6677
ilana.tabak@regeneron.com
US-ILF-13132 | US.DUP.16.09.037
i National Institutes of Health (NIH). Handout on
Health: Atopic Dermatitis (A type of eczema) May 2013. Available
online: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Atopic_Dermatitis/default.asp.
Accessed: September 9, 2016.
ii
http://www.mountsinai.org/patient-care/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/atopic-dermatitis#risk
Accessed August 31, 2016.
iii Lebwohl MG, Del Rosso JQ, Abramovits W, et al.
Pathways to managing atopic dermatitis: consensus from the experts.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013;6(7 Suppl):S2-S18
iv Simpson EL. Comorbidity in atopic dermatitis.
Curr Dermatol Rep. 2012;1:29-38.
v Gupta MA, Gupta AK. Depression and suicidal
ideation in dermatology patients with acne, alopecia areata, atopic
dermatitis and psoriasis. Br J Dermatol.
1998;139:846-850
vi Kimata H. Prevalence of suicidal ideation in
patients with atopic dermatitis. Suicide Life Threat Behav.
2006;36:120-124.
vii Yarbrough KB, Neuhaus KJ, Simpson EL. The effects
of treatment on itch in atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Ther.
2013;26:110-119.
viii Anderson RT, Rajagopalan R. Effects of allergic
dermatosis on health-related quality of life. Curr Allergy
Asthma Rep. 2001;1(4):309-315.
ix Misery L, Finlay AY, Martin N, et al. Atopic
dermatitis: impact on the quality of life of patients and their
partners. Dermatology. 2007;215:123-129.
x Zuberbier T, Orlow SJ, Paller AS, et al. Patient
perspectives on the management of atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin
Immunol. 2006;118:226-232
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SOURCE Sanofi