the Rising Epidemic of Eczema in the Netherlands: A Silent Struggle Beyond the Skin
Red rashes, relentless itching, and painful wounds caused by scratching—these are the daily realities for an increasing number of people in the Netherlands battling eczema. This chronic skin condition, often dismissed as a minor ailment, is far from harmless. It not only inflicts physical discomfort but also takes a meaningful toll on mental health, reshaping lives in ways that are often overlooked.
A Growing Health Concern
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The numbers are alarming.In 2012, 80 out of every 1,000 patients visiting their GP reported eczema complaints. By 2023,that figure had surged to nearly 130,and dermatologists confirm that this upward trend persisted into 2024. According to dermatologist Marlies de Graaf, the rise is multifaceted.”several factors play a role. We think it has to do with changes in the surroundings, climate, and air pollution. But hygiene and construction also play a role. It may also be that we have started to record it better,” she explains.
This increase is not just a statistic—it represents thousands of individuals grappling with a condition that disrupts their daily lives.
Eczema is more than skin deep. ItS impact on quality of life is profound and frequently enough underestimated. “Eczema is a visible skin condition, which causes many patients to avoid social contact,” says De Graaf. “And we also know that they are more likely to have anxiety and depression.Studies have even shown that people choose a different career path because they are ashamed of their eczema.”
The stigma surrounding the condition can lead to social isolation, with patients withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed. For children, the effects are particularly devastating.
A childhood Plagued by Itch and Shame
Eczema predominantly affects children, with one in five developing the condition at a young age.While many outgrow it, the skin remains a lifelong weak spot, and flare-ups can recur at any time. For six-year-old Armaan, eczema has been a constant companion since birth. His mother, Anisha Biharie, describes the challenges they face: “When we go on holiday, he sits by the pool and we go to the sea, as salt water burns.”
Armaan’s eczema covers his face, lips, legs, and feet, making everyday activities a struggle. “I often can’t sleep because of the itching, and it wakes me up,” he says. Playing outside is another hurdle. “He also cannot tolerate sunscreen, but when the sun shines, he really needs it,” Anisha adds. The emotional toll is equally heavy. “Children often ask him why he looks like a grandfather. that was really the last straw for me.”
The Search for Relief
Despite advancements in treatment, eczema remains incurable. Medications like pills and ointments offer temporary relief, but their effectiveness varies. For Armaan, finding the right treatment is a constant battle. “It is a constant process of switching to determine which dosage suits him best. What helps today may be different tomorrow,” Anisha explains.
This uncertainty drives many families to seek solutions beyond conventional medicine, often looking abroad for help.
A Call for Awareness and Support
The rising prevalence of eczema in the Netherlands underscores the need for greater awareness and support for those affected. While environmental factors and genetics play a role, the emotional and social consequences of the condition demand attention.
As dermatologist Marlies de Graaf emphasizes, eczema is not just a skin condition—it’s a life-altering challenge that requires a holistic approach to care.
| Key Statistics on Eczema in the Netherlands |
|————————————————-|
| 2012: 80 cases per 1,000 GP visits |
| 2023: 130 cases per 1,000 GP visits |
| Children Affected: 1 in 5 |
| Main Challenges: Itching, sleep disruption, social isolation, mental health impacts |
For families like Armaan’s, the journey with eczema is a relentless one. But with increased awareness, research, and support, there is hope for a future where the burden of this condition is lightened.
To learn more about eczema and its impact, explore resources from the TREAT NL registry, which focuses on improving treatment and understanding of this chronic condition.
Understanding the Rising Epidemic of Eczema in the netherlands: A Conversation with Dr. Eva van der Meer
Eczema, a chronic skin condition characterized by red rashes, relentless itching, adn painful wounds, is on the rise in the Netherlands. Beyond the physical discomfort, eczema substantially impacts mental health and social well-being, frequently enough leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. In this interview, Senior Editor of World Today News, Sarah Johnson, sits down with Dr. Eva van der Meer, a leading dermatologist and eczema specialist, to discuss the growing epidemic, its hidden toll, and the urgent need for awareness and support.
The Growing Health Concern: why is Eczema on the Rise?
Sarah Johnson: Dr. van der Meer, thank you for joining us today. The numbers are alarming—eczema cases have surged from 80 per 1,000 GP visits in 2012 to nearly 130 in 2023. What do you think is driving this increase?
Dr.Eva van der Meer: Thank you for having me, Sarah. The rise in eczema cases is indeed concerning and multifaceted. We believe environmental factors like climate change, air pollution, and urbanization play a significant role. Additionally, modern hygiene practices and changes in construction materials may contribute. There’s also the possibility that we’ve become better at diagnosing and recording cases, which could explain part of the increase. Though, the bottom line is that more people are suffering, and we need to understand why.
Sarah Johnson: Eczema is often seen as just a skin condition, but your research highlights its profound impact on mental health.Can you elaborate on this?
Dr. eva van der Meer: Absolutely. Eczema is more then skin deep. The visible nature of the condition often leads to stigma and shame, causing many patients to withdraw from social interactions. Studies show that individuals with eczema are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. Some even choose different career paths because they’re embarrassed by their skin. For children,the emotional toll is particularly devastating—they face bullying and exclusion,which can have long-term effects on their self-esteem and mental health.
A Childhood Plagued by Itch and Shame
Sarah Johnson: Speaking of children, eczema predominantly affects them, with one in five developing the condition at a young age. Can you share some insights into how this impacts their daily lives?
Dr. Eva van der Meer: Children with eczema face unique challenges. The constant itching disrupts their sleep, making it hard for them to focus at school or enjoy playtime. Simple activities like swimming or playing outside become tough due to sensitivity to sunscreen or saltwater. The emotional burden is heavy too—many children are teased or asked why their skin looks different. This can lead to feelings of isolation and shame, which are heartbreaking to see at such a young age.
The Search for Relief: Challenges in Treatment
Sarah Johnson: Despite advancements in treatment, eczema remains incurable. What are the biggest challenges in managing this condition?
Dr. Eva van der Meer: the biggest challenge is the variability in treatment effectiveness. What works for one patient may not work for another, and even for the same patient, what helps today might not help tomorrow. Families often find themselves in a constant cycle of trial and error, switching medications and dosages to find relief. This uncertainty drives many to seek alternative treatments, sometimes even traveling abroad for solutions. While we’ve made progress, there’s still a long way to go in developing more consistent and effective treatments.
A Call for Awareness and Support
Sarah Johnson: What can be done to address the rising prevalence of eczema and its impact on patients and families?
Dr. Eva van der Meer: Awareness is key. eczema is frequently enough dismissed as a minor ailment,but it’s a life-altering condition that requires a holistic approach to care. We need more research to understand the environmental and genetic factors contributing to its rise. Additionally, support systems for patients and families are crucial—counseling, educational resources, and community programs can make a significant difference. we must advocate for better access to effective treatments and continue pushing for advancements in medical research.
