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Support Our Work!
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Donations are welcomed in any amount! For donations of $20 or more, a tax receipt will be issued.
Donations may be sent to:
The Eczema Society of Canada
417 The Queensway South,
P.O. Box 25009
Keswick, Ontario, L4P 2C4
Canada
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Join Our List
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| What is the Eczema Society of Canada? |
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 The Eczema Society of Canada (ESC) is a registered Canadian charity, dedicated to meeting the needs of those suffering with eczema through support, education, awareness, and research.
What does our mandate look like in action? Last year we gave personal individual support and help to hundreds of people suffering with eczema, our treatments guides are available in doctors' offices across Canada, and thousands of Canadians came to our website seeking credible and unbiased information. We raised awareness through media including a Global news story, participation in a City Pulse 24 Health Talk show, radio interviews, and newspaper articles that generated millions of media impressions.
We also run a very fiscally lean operation, so you know that every dollar donated is put to good use. Our financial statements can be viewed at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charities/
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Eczema Society of Canada in Chatelaine Magazine!
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Editor of Canada's most read women's magazine, Maryam Sanati, says this of our organization:
"For [eczema] support and resources, there is no finer organization than the Eczema Society of Canada; its president and executive director, Amanda Cresswell-Melville, has dealt first-hand with severe eczema in her own children. On the society's website, Eczemahelp.ca, you'll find a clear explanation of the treatment, which involves frequent bathing for short periods in lukewarm water and emulsifying oil, along with the strategic use of of topical medications and ointments. It works."
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| Interested in a Support Group? Want to be a Leader? |
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Need support? Want to connect with other eczema sufferers? We are looking for support group leaders across Canada! Please contact us if you would like to be a support group leader in your area. It can be as simple as meeting up at a local coffee shop with other eczema sufferers. Share your story, find support, and give support!
Contact Amanda Cresswell-Melville via e-mail: director@eczemahelp.ca for more information.
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| Swimming - A Good Choice for Eczema Sufferers |
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 One of the most frequently asked questions is regarding the safety of chlorinated pools for patients with eczema. There is a lot of conflicting information on swimming, as some experts believe chlorinated water to beneficial, and others believe it to be a trigger for a flare.
Canadian dermatologist Dr. Miriam Weinstein, who treats both adult and pediatric eczema patients in Toronto, ON, provides these sensible guidelines for enjoying swimming this summer:
"Swimming is a good sport for patients with atopic dermatitis because there is little sweating, which can often aggravate itching. There are a few precautionary steps to ensure that swimming in chlorinated pools is enjoyable and not aggravating to the skin."
(1) Cover the affected skin with a moisturizer, which could be sunscreen, PRIOR to entering the pool. The moisturizer will form a protective barrier on the skin. With children and infants, handle with care, as they may be slippery.
(2) After swimming, bathe according to our bathing instructions on the website. Then follow up with the prescribed ointments and then use your moisturizer over top.
(3) When swimming in salt water ensure you rinse skin thoroughly, and follow the bathing regimen.
(4) Enjoy a season of swimming! As always, use your own skin (or your child's skin) as your guide, and consult your physician with any concerns.
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Sun Safety
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 Everyone, including those with atopic dermatitis should use sun protection, such as wide-brimmed hats, avoiding the strongest sun of the day (10am - 2pm), protective clothing, avoidance of tanning beds and the use of sunscreen.
Protective clothing for patients with eczema should be light-weight and made of cotton. Many children with atopic dermatitis can tolerate standard sunscreens on the market. There are some children who are irritated by certain regular sunscreen products. Patients with eczema should try brands that are marketed to "sensitive skin" or "eczema-prone skin". Follow the instructions on the sunscreen packaging to ensure proper use.
How to Stay Cool and Comfortable This Summer
- During those high temperature heat waves, try to stay inside with air conditioning, as eczema can be aggravated by high temperature and humidity.
- Wear light breathable cotton clothing, and dress in removable layers so that body temperature can easily be regulated.
- When camping, use a light sleeping bag to avoid overheating, and try to stay in an air conditioned cabin when possible, during extremely high temperatures.
- Try to use non-chemical measures to ward off insect bites; try long pants and sleeves when outside; avoid insect breeding grounds, such as standing pools of water; avoid outside activities at dusk and dawn.
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Ask a Doctor
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Feature Doctor:
Dr. Elena Pope, Pediatric Dermatologist, Toronto, ON
Q: The flies and mosquitoes at our cottage are really bad in the spring and summer. Is DEET safe, and can it be applied to my child who has eczema?
A: DEET is an effective insect repellent; however we recommend that you try to use non-chemical methods first, as any chemicals applied to the skin can be irritating. Follow these guidelines for safe use of DEET:
- Avoid contact with eyes, hands and face
- Avoid inhaling the product
- Wash skin when you no longer need the protection, and follow up with your moisturization routine
- Adults should apply the product to children
- Don't apply to areas that will be covered by clothing
Guidelines for safe use of DEET (Source: Canadian Pediatric Society)
- Under 6 months of age: DO NOT use any products containing DEET
- 6 months to 2 years: Use once per day, only if high risk of complication from insect bites. Use a solution of 10% or less.
- 2 years to 12 years: Use no more than 3 times per day. Use a solution of 10% or less.
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Calling all Kids with Eczema!
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Often, people don't understand what it means to live with an incurable condition. We want to publish and share your stories or drawings about what it is like to live with eczema. Please send your drawings and stories by mail to:
Eczema Society of Canada
417 The Queensway South
P.O. Box 25009
Keswick, Ontario
L4P 2C4
*Please note that any articles sent cannot be returned, and will become the property of ESC, to be used at our discretion.
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Share Your Story!
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Did our website or information help you manage your eczema? Give you support? We want to hear about it! Share your story with us. Any entries sent may be shared on the website or in future newsletters. Mail to:
Eczema Society of Canada
417 The Queensway South
P.O. Box 25009
Keswick, Ontario
L4P 2C4
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| Sign up for Future Newsletters!
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| We will keep you updated on treatment information, eczema events, and other information. Please visit our website www.eczemahelp.ca and click on "Become a Member".
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