Life Stories, Media, News / 16 Sep 2024

Eczema Support Australia in the Spotlight

Eczema Support Australia in the Spotlight: TV Appearance and Major News Stories on Eczema

It’s been a momentous week for Eczema Support Australia, with major media coverage shining a light on the challenges of living with eczema and how proper management can make a life-changing difference. From a live TV appearance on Channel 7’s Sunrise Breakfast Show to an emotional feature in the Herald Sun and Kidspot, we’ve been able to reach thousands of Australians with vital information about eczema care.

Eczema Support Australia on Sunrise – Raising Awareness Nationwide
On Monday, Eczema Support Australia’s Managing Director, Melanie Funk, was invited to speak on Channel 7’s Sunrise Breakfast Show. Melanie was joined by Adriana, a mum from NSW, and her little boy Orry, who is impacted by severe eczema.

Sunrise Image 3

During the segment, Melanie and Adriana highlighted the importance of accessing trusted eczema resources and shared the struggles faced by many families when it comes to managing the condition. They offered viewers crucial insights on where to find reliable information, including Eczema Support Australia’s online resources and Eczema Care Plan.

Sunrise Image 2

 

Making Headlines in the Herald Sun and Kidspot
Adriana’s journey didn’t just reach TV audiences—it also touched readers nationwide through a heart-wrenching story featured in the Herald Sun and Kidspot. Adriana shared how her son’s eczema had reached a crisis point, leaving him covered in blood and unable to stop scratching. Despite trying every home remedy and tip, nothing seemed to work, until a chance connection with Melanie Funk led Adriana to discover the proper way to use steroid flare creams.

Herald Sun

Adriana had been underusing steroid creams due to fears of using too much for too long. It was only after getting professional guidance and support from Melanie and the doctors at Sydney Children’s Hospital that she learned the “golden rules” of eczema management:

  • Apply steroid flare creams to all affected skin when a flare starts.
  • Continue until the skin feels smooth and itch-free.
  • Maintain regular use of moisturisers between and during flares.

Her son’s eczema finally began to clear, and, as Adriana put it, the biggest change was that he started smiling again. You can read Adriana’s full story here or find it in the Herald Sun and Kidspot.

New Resources for Australians Living with Eczema
Melanie Funk, reflecting on Adriana’s story, emphasized the ongoing battle with misinformation about eczema treatments. “There’s still so much unnecessary suffering due to people being afraid to use steroid flare creams correctly,” Melanie said. “That’s why we’ve created the Eczema Care Plan and an online toolkit to provide clear, evidence-based guidance.”

Our new Eczema Unfiltered Video Series, which we launched just before World Atopic Eczema Day, also tackles many of these misconceptions head-on. The series features real Australians sharing their personal experiences with eczema, giving an unfiltered and honest look at how they manage the condition. Watch the video series here.

Moving Forward Together
As we reflect on this week’s major events and media coverage, we are reminded of the power of community, support, and trusted information. Whether it’s through television, newspapers, or our growing online resource hub, we are dedicated to helping Australians impacted by eczema find the answers they need.

If you or someone you love is struggling with eczema, we encourage you to explore our Eczema Care Plan and toolkit, designed to help you manage the condition more effectively. And remember—eczema awareness and support are not limited to just one week. At Eczema Support Australia, we are here for you every day.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us in raising awareness this week. Let’s continue the conversation and work together to make a real difference in the lives of those living with eczema.