Designates October of each year as "Eczema Awareness Month" in New Jersey.

SJR30 TR

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

No. 30

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

�

PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2026 SESSION

Sponsored by:

Senator JOSEPH PENNACCHIO

District 26 (Morris and Passaic)

Senator RENEE C. BURGESS

District 28 (Essex and Union)

Co-Sponsored by:

Senator McKnight

SYNOPSIS

���� Designates October of each year as "Eczema
Awareness Month" in New Jersey.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

���� As reported by the Senate Health, Human Services and
Senior Citizens Committee with technical review.

��

A Joint
Resolution

designating October of
each year as �Eczema Awareness Month� in New Jersey.

Whereas,

Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become red,
itchy, and inflamed; and

Whereas,

Although the symptoms of eczema are typically mild, nearly half of those with
the condition experience more severe symptoms, including dry, sensitive, rough,
leathery, or scaly patches of skin; severe itching; and blistering, weeping,
peeling, oozing, or crusting; and

Whereas,

Eczema can appear anywhere on the body.� The triggers for an eczema flare up
can vary from person to person, and may include stress, sweat, obesity, soaps,
detergents, and allergies to dust, pollen, or food; and

Whereas,

People with eczema may develop other conditions, including hay fever and
asthma, chronic itchy or scaly skin, infections, other forms of dermatitis,
sleep loss, depression, and hypertension; and

Whereas,

Eczema frequently first appears in childhood, but can also appear at any other
time of life, and childhood symptoms may persist into adolescence and
adulthood.� The condition is often characterized by long asymptomatic periods
punctuated by periodic flare-ups; and

Whereas,

The exact causes of eczema are not known, although research suggests that the
condition is linked to a combination of genetic and environmental triggers; and

Whereas,

Eczema affects over 32 million Americans, with a national prevalence rate of
approximately 10 percent and a prevalence rate in New Jersey of over 13
percent; and

Whereas,

Although eczema can be treated to alleviate its symptoms and prevent new
outbreaks, there is currently no cure for the condition.� Treatments include
daily bathing and moisturizing routines, over-the-counter remedies,
prescription topical medications, phototherapy, immunosuppressants, and
biologic drugs, as well as various natural and alternative treatments; and

Whereas,

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that the costs for treating
eczema and coexisting conditions may be as high as $3.8 billion per year.�
Moreover, people living with eczema frequently experience an emotional and
social toll, particularly when others avoid contact with them out of a
misconception that eczema is contagious; and

Whereas,

Additional research, educational outreach, and public awareness� efforts may
help identify the causes of eczema, improve current treatments, identify new
treatments, improve access to care, reduce the financial and social costs
associated with eczema, and alleviate the stigma felt by many who live with
eczema; now, therefore,

����
Be It
Resolved
by the Senate and General Assembly of
the State of New Jersey:

���� 1.��� October of each year is
designated as �Eczema Awareness Month� in New Jersey in order to increase public
awareness about eczema, generate a greater understanding of the condition, and foster
a greater sense of community and shared purpose among individuals living with
eczema and the general public.

���� 2.��� The Governor is
respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation designating October as
�Eczema Awareness Month� in New Jersey, and calling upon public officials and
the citizens of the State to observe the month with appropriate activities and
programs.

���� 3.��� Copies of this
resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the
Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the National
Eczema Association.

���� 4.��� This joint resolution
shall take effect immediately.