Eczema Xplained is sponsored by LEO Pharma.

Medicine X today is launching Eczema Xplained, its first illustrated story in the U.S. on atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema.

Each Xplained story follows a real patient and is backed by medical experts and a creative team of artists to bridge the difference between the language healthcare providers may use and what many patients and their caregivers understand. 

"Due to the nature of this skin condition, individuals with atopic dermatitis report a significant impact on their quality of life from both a physical and emotional standpoint," says Medicine X Founder and President Dr. Kim Chilman-Blair. "We know that stress can be a key trigger for atopic dermatitis, and with a global pandemic, many individuals may be experiencing flares. Now more than ever, there is a crucial need for online resources that can be easily understood and communities that can unite individuals and show them they are not alone." 

The Eczema Xplained story follows Kellie, a 35-year-old, teacher and mother of two from North Carolina. Kellie has had atopic dermatitis for as long as she can remember. She describes how she carefully chooses outfits and changes her plans based on her atopic dermatitis. She also provides some useful information about possible factors behind this skin condition and how she manages her flares – from documenting her triggers in a journal, to wearing loose clothes, and following a specific moisturizer routine. Kellie's personal story is unique to her, and individuals should always discuss medical information with their healthcare providers. 

Dr. Peter Lio, founding director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center, dermatologist and contributor to Eczema Xplained, also acknowledges atopic dermatitis can be a complicated condition and advocates for open communication among patients and healthcare providers, noting "While we don't fully understand what causes it, the key issue for most people seems to be an impaired skin barrier. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease, so unfortunately that means it usually doesn't go away for good, but I want people to understand that with good control some individuals can enter a relative state of remission, which is very exciting."

Eczema Xplained is sponsored by LEO Pharma. "We believe in the power of patient storytelling and these types of educational resources being made available to patients and their caregivers through Medicine X," says Christopher Posner, President and CEO, LEO Pharma Inc. "We are honored to support the launch of Eczema Xplained and hope the platform will be a helpful source of information for patients and families affected by atopic dermatitis."