What is Eczema?

Eczema - also known as Atopic dermatitis (AD) - is the most common chronic skin disorder seen in infants and children.  In fact, the prevalence of this condition has risen dramatically during the last three decades.  Currently, 15% to 20% of children in the United States are expected to experience this condition sometime during their lifetime, compared to 7% around 1960.

The negative impact of eczema is profound and insidious.  It affects both the patient who suffers from it and that patient's family members, and it does so on two important levels - physical and emotional.

The Eczema Center was created to provide clinical care, family education, and research on atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin diseases.
 Click here to visit the Eczema Center website.

The first of its kind in the country, The Eczema Center practices comprehensive patient care and is committed to integrating basic and clinical research for prevention and improved treatment of eczematous dermatitis.  Education of patients and families is a central part of the The Eczema Center's mission. 

The Eczema Center is based at Rady Children’s Hospital and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), in conjunction with:

• Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology, Rady Children’s Hospital and UCSD
• Dermatology Research Unit, Rady Children’s Hospital and Children’s Specialists of San Diego
• Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, UCSD
• Department of Pediatrics, UCSD
• Children’s Specialists of San Diego
• Community and Corporate Supporters

Objectives

1. The Eczema Center will establish medical, educational, and emotional support to eczema patients and their families.  As one of the few resources in existence offering this kind of support, the program will provide:
   • Education and support to their caregivers of eczema patients.
   • A model for optimum care for this condition.
   • A center for clinical, translational, and basic research on atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin diseases.
2. The Eczema Center will create a network of support designed for caregivers of eczema patients. Through newsletters, workshops, and regular meetings, participants in the program will receive information on the newest treatment modalities and research pertaining to the disease including:
   • Practical suggestions for disease control.
   • Information on new drugs being developed.
   • Research studies underway in their area.
3. The Eczema Center will, above all else, provide affirmation and hope to eczema patients and their families - affirmation of the profound affects of this disease and hope for its treatment!

 Click here to visit the Eczema Center website.