How the National Eczema Society can help you

The National Eczema Society exists to eliminate the effects of eczema. It aims to improve the quality of life for people with eczema and their carers by providing them with high quality information and support; by training health professionals in eczema and its management; by supporting and sponsoring research into eczema and its treatment and by campaigning for improvements in health services for people with eczema.

The National Eczema Society was founded 25 years ago in 1975 and now has a membership of 13,500. The London-based national office deals with more than 25,000 enquiries a year while a network of regional volunteers handles a further 5,000 local enquiries across the country.

The Society publishes a wide range of leaflets and information sheets on various aspects of managing eczema. These cover topics such as minimising factors likely to cause eczema in the home, diet and eczema in children and Chinese medicinal plants for atopic eczema. The Society also produces literature for use by health professionals, with specialist publications for community healthcare nurses and pharmacists.

In addition, the Society operates a confidential Information Service to answer specific questions about eczema. This is available between 10am and 4pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and 1pm and 4pm on Thursday: telephone number 0870 241 3604.

The Society has also developed a web site for all those with an interest in eczema. The site address is www.eczema.org

Annual Membership subscriptions

UK & Rep. of Ireland: £25 for year one and £20 for subsequent years (UK & Rep. of Ireland only).

EU & Overseas: £40 for year one and £35 for subsequent years.

Members receive a comprehensive information pack and copies of the Society's quarterly journal, Exchange. They also have unlimited access to the Society's Information Service. Membership of the National Eczema Society also offers people affected by eczema the opportunity to talk with others who share similar problems and experiences.

The National Eczema Society has a network of more than 150 local Contacts across the country, handling 5,000 enquiries each year. Some of these volunteers also organise support groups and local events.

In conjunction with the National Asthma Campaign (NAC) the National Eczema Society runs holidays for children teaching them about their condition and improving their self esteem whilst having fun. Further information is available from the PEAK Project, telephone 0131 446 9788.

In addition to the work it does specifically for people with eczema, the National Eczema Society administers the Skin Care Campaign, an alliance of a wide range of patient groups, companies and other organisations with a common interest in skin health. The Campaign educates politicians, health administrators, healthcare professionals and the public at large to enable people to look after their skin properly and to assure the highest possible standards of health care provision for people with skin diseases.

The National Eczema Society is the UK's leading authority on living with and managing eczema, it offers a wealth of information on topics ranging from specific treatments and lifestyle measures to career prospects and specialist product stockists.

The largest part of the Society's income comes from voluntary donations. Without them, thousands of people with eczema would be without their lifeline. In its 25th anniversary year, the National Eczema Society aims to develop new relationships with individuals and businesses to continue to work towards its goal of eliminating the effects of eczema. 

 We are indebited to the National Eczema Society for their help in compiling this section.