Eczema group urges review of advanced treatment access
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A survey released during Eczema Awareness Month found that recurrent flare-ups are common among eczema patients in Hong Kong, with 86% of respondents reporting relapses in the past six months. The poll of 350 patients and caregivers also found that 39% had more than six relapses over that period, while 36% said an average flare-up lasted 15 days or longer. A patient group is calling on policymakers and the Hospital Authority to review current subsidy arrangements for advanced treatment, arguing that the clinical threshold is too restrictive. Dermatology and venereology specialist Dr Chan Chung said eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that needs not only rapid symptom relief but also sustained disease control.
Key Points
- The Eczema Concern Group conducted an online questionnaire in April, surveying 350 eczema patients and caregivers in Hong Kong.
- Nearly 40% of respondents had moderate eczema, while 24% reported severe to very severe disease.
- About 86% said they had relapsed within six months; 39% reported more than six relapses in that period.
- Symptoms extended beyond skin irritation, with 96% reporting itch, 70% serious sleep disruption, and 64% emotional distress
- Dr Chan said newer advanced options, including biologics and oral small-molecule JAK inhibitors, target inflammatory signalling more precisely than older systemic treatments.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong patients, the dispute is not only about symptom control but also about whether public treatment pathways allow earlier access to therapies when repeated relapses disrupt sleep, work and mental wellbeing. The group argues that if suitable moderate-to-severe cases can discuss advanced treatment earlier, it may help break the cycle of repeated medication trials, flare-ups and heavier use of public healthcare resources