Assembly Resolution No. 364

BY: M. of A. Byrne

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
October 2021, as Eczema Awareness Month in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
health issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2021, as Eczema
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Eczema Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Eczema is a condition where patches of skin become
inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough, and sometimes blisters may
occur; some people outgrow the condition, while others will continue to
have it throughout adulthood; and

WHEREAS, Different stages and types of eczema affect 31.6% of people
in the United States; most people develop atopic dermatitis before the
age of 5 years; half of those who develop the condition in childhood
continue to have symptoms as an adult; and

WHEREAS, The word eczema is also used specifically to talk about
atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema; atopic refers to a
collection of diseases involving the immune system, including atopic
dermatitis, asthma, and hay fever; dermatitis is an inflammation of the
skin; and

WHEREAS, People with this condition will often experience periods of
time where their symptoms flare up or worsen, followed by periods of
time where their symptoms will improve or clear up; eczema can be
triggered by environmental factors like smoke and pollen, and certain
foods such as nuts and dairy; and

WHEREAS, Since eczema is not curable, treatment focuses on healing
damaged skin and alleviating symptoms; unfortunately, 86% of patients
report they are not satisfied with their eczema treatment; and

WHEREAS, Eczema can have a serious impact on patient's quality of
life and overall health, both physically and mentally; 1 in 5 children
face bullying because of their condition, 1/3 of people have been
diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression, and 30% of children have sleep
disruption 5 or more nights per week; and

WHEREAS, Patients and caregivers lost $128 million in wages in 2016
due to eczema, and 2/3 of people say it impacts their job and household
chores; and

WHEREAS, Eczema can increase patients' risk of developing allergic
disorders, as well as other health conditions such as obesity and

cardiovascular disease; patients may also have an increased risk for
multiple types of infection; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State
of New York, supports the increase in public awareness regarding eczema
and its many symptoms; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2021, as Eczema
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.