- Eczema support groups are gatherings where you can meet other people with this skin condition.
- Nurses, social workers, or volunteers often lead these support groups.
- You can find in-person groups through your doctor or an organization, like the National Eczema Association, or search for virtual meetups through Facebook and other social media sites.
Living with a condition that affects your skin can have a big effect on your emotions and self-esteem.
When swollen, itchy patches of eczema pop up, they can be hard to hide. They can appear red, purple, ashen gray, or dark brown, depending on your skin tone. They may also be thick, dry, or scaly.
This visible condition can leave you feeling stressed, depressed, and lonely — but joining a support group will show you that you’re far from alone.
These groups, some run by health professionals and others by volunteers or community members, gather people with eczema to get together to talk about the symptoms and challenges that are most concerning to them.
Some eczema support groups are held in person, while others are online. Here’s how to find a support group that fits your needs.
National organizations and independent local groups host in-person support meetings. Some of these groups also have online options.
Here are a few places to find support groups near you.
National Eczema Association (NEA)
The NEA is the leading voice for the more than 31 million Americans living with eczema. This nonprofit organization promotes research, shares information about the condition, and provides advice to people with eczema all over the country.
NEA offers support through its website and toll-free number (800-818-7546).
Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
AAFA is the oldest nonprofit organization in the world, supporting people living with asthma and allergies, along with eczema. It hosts support groups all over the country, each one supervised by a medical professional. If you don’t see a group in your area, AAFA will help you start one.
Global Parents for Eczema Research
This non-profit organization provides people with eczema and their families with access to education and information on the latest eczema research. Caregivers of children living with eczema can also register to connect with other caregivers online to share experiences and get advice.
Online support groups make it easy to connect with other people living with eczema without leaving your home. Here are a few websites where you can start your search.
Facebook groups
Facebook is home to several eczema support groups, where participants share new research about the condition and swap advice. Keep in mind that not all information shared in such groups may be accurate and that medical advice should come from a licensed professional.
Eczema Support Group
With over 65,000 followers, this group is open to everyone with eczema, provided they don’t try to advertise a product or service. The group is private, so you’ll have to request to join and agree to follow the group rules.
Eczema Parents
This group grew out of one little girl’s desire to help other children with eczema. Her mother started Eczema Parents to provide a forum for parents and other caregivers to share the treatment strategies that worked for them. The group has more than 11,000 members, but it’s private, so you’ll have to ask to join.
ITSAN Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Support Group
Topical steroids have been a treatment for eczema for more than 50 years. These drugs work well at bringing down inflammation and relieving symptoms.
However, people who take large doses can develop withdrawal symptoms such as skin discoloration or burning skin when they go off steroids.
This group of over 20,000 members is a place for people with topical steroid withdrawal syndrome to share their experiences and offer tips on managing symptoms. Because this is a private group, you’ll have to request to join.
Healthline: Living with Eczema
This public group, managed by Healthline, has about 20,000 members and offers information and support to all those living with atopic dermatitis.
Other options
Facebook isn’t the only source of online support for eczema. These resources may also help.
Eczema Exchange
Eczema Exchange is hosted by Inspire, a platform dedicated to building condition-specific support communities.
This online support group and discussion community is for those living with eczema as well as their caregivers. It offers channels for discussing a variety of topics, from treatment options to complementary and alternative therapies to tips for managing both your physical symptoms and the emotional toll of living with a visible disease.
AltogetherEczema
This online community is the brainchild of the nonprofit International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (IADPO), also known as GlobalSkin. It’s an online community that brings together people with eczema and those who care for them to share common experiences.
Start by asking the doctor who treats your eczema. This might be your primary care doctor, a dermatologist, or an allergist.
Your doctor may refer you to a support group at your local hospital or community center.
You can also reach out to organizations like the NEA or the AAFA and ask if they host support groups in your area. Or you can search online through Google or a social media website like Facebook.
A support group is a place where you can connect with other people living with eczema, either in person or online. If you’ve been managing eczema on your own, it can be a huge relief to finally be surrounded by people who get what it’s like to live with this skin condition.
During support group meetings, you’ll learn treatment strategies and tricks that other people have discovered to relieve their eczema symptoms. That can help you feel better able to manage your condition.
These groups also provide a safe space to vent or to get any worries you have about eczema off your chest.
Some support groups are led by a nurse, social worker, or other professional who has experience treating eczema. And some invite guest speakers, which may be doctors, researchers, or eczema advocates.
Support groups give you the chance to meet online or in person with other people who have eczema. You can learn from their experiences and share what’s worked for you.
Ask the doctor who treats your eczema to recommend a support group in your area. Or search online for a virtual forum where you can connect with people from all over the country or around the world.
You’ll get the most out of support group sessions if you’re open and honest. Be respectful of the other members, even if their experiences differ from yours. And remember that these groups are no replacement for the medical advice you get from your doctor.