Parents, Patients Turn to Social Media for Health Conditions Like Eczema, Food Allergies

March 13, 2012 - PRLog -- MONTREAL – March 13, 2012 - - Patients and parents of children with health conditions like eczema, allergies, and asthma are now turning to social media for answers and support.  There are Facebook pages, for example, where people from around the world can openly discuss the latest in eczema treatments and food allergy news. It’s real time parents helping parents and patients helping patients. They exchange product recommendations, offer support – it’s incredible, fast, easy, and it’s global.

“We have a very open online community for eczema parents that started last Sept. We now have about 300 active followers, with more page “likes” everyday. Parents are looking for easy ways to connect with one another. Driving to a support group takes planning, time and significant effort – meeting online is quick and easy. Eczema is so stressful for the entire family, so being able to share advice with other parents or just talk about their child’s skin is priceless,” states Jennifer, a mother and owner of The Eczema Company.  Jennifer started The Eczema Company Facebook page because she wanted a place for parents to meet and discuss their concerns and questions about eczema. Although the page was created with parents in mind, the group has grown to include adults suffering from eczema themselves. The group does not have a medical advisor, so all discussions are just that and not to replace the advice of a physician. But Jennifer is quick to add “Most parents just want to talk to someone who can relate and who has walked in their shoes. Many times parents don’t feel they can have an open conversation with their physician and appointments are often rushed leaving little time for much discussion.” Jennifer speaks from first hand knowledge as her son and daughter both have eczema and were the inspiration behind The Eczema Company, which sells specialty clothing and natural, non-toxic skincare for children with eczema.

Twitter is also growing in popularity as another avenue for patients and parents to discuss health issues. Jennifer connects with many parents about eczema and food allergies (conditions which often go hand-in-hand) and also with businesses and physicians, over Twitter. It’s a quick way to see the latest healthcare news and share it with others with the same common interest. Twitter Parties are a new, popular way for people with a shared interest to gather online at a certain time to discuss a topic like eczema in a chat like format. Excitement is generated amongst party goers as prizes are given away to participants. In fact, the first ever Eczema Twitter Party is being held on Friday, March 16 at 9pm EST. Hashtag: #4eczema

So, what’s the next great social media tool for health issues? Pinterest, hands down.  Although it started as a creative way for users to “pin” photos about hobbies and interests, businesses like The Eczema Company realized it’s also a great way to connect with their customers. Companies post product photos and users can comment with reviews and “pin” the products they like to their “boards” for friends and followers to see.

Patients and parents are looking for more ways to connect on health issues. Social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest provides them with an easy-to-access channel of the latest information.  But most importantly it helps build a sense of community and support for those that need it most.

About the Eczema Company:
The Eczema Company was created to help families dealing with the daily challenges of eczema. The retail store provides ”products to help soothe your itchy little world” that include scratch protective clothing and natural creams and soaps containing only pure ingredients for children’s delicate skin.

Visit http://www.eczemacompany.com


Contact:
Jennifer Roberge, Owner
The Eczema Company
Phone: 877-600-7130
jennifer@eczemacompany.com