In my graduation thesis I research what challenges people with atopic dermatitis face and what forms of help they want. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic long-term disease. A review of the literature shows that people's distress can be great. In the theoretical part, I present thoughts about health and disease over time and describe the characteristics of atopic dermatitis. The central part is devoted to thinking about the challenges people with atopic dermatitis are facing. I divide them into Psychosocial Challenges, Financial Challenges, and Red Skin Syndrome. I continue with a set of forms of help that are already being considered in Slovenia and conclude the theoretical part with the role of social work in health activities. In the empirical part, I present the results of the research I obtained by analyzing interviews conducted with six people who have visible atopic dermatitis. The results of the research revealed that the interlocutors faced challenges in the field of mental health, social life, finances, treatment, and daily life. In the field of mental health, the challenge is to build a better self-image and successfully cope with unpleasant feelings, depression, and suicidal thoughts. In the field of social life, their challenge is to integrate into society and deal with stigma. Other challenges, however, are how to find appropriate forms of treatment, face additional costs, and learn to live as normal a life as possible. In the most difficult period, some described the time of discharge of corticosteroid creams, which they called Red Skin Syndrome. Most respondents were dissatisfied with their visits to the doctor and dermatologist, the relationship was described as impersonal and the examination routine. Various things helped the respondents to feel better. I describe them as protective factors. At the individual level, this means building a better self-image, supportive problem-solving, and resource-seeking skills. At the relational level, they mention that the best help for them is the support and encouragement of loved ones, support networks, and conversation. The mentioned factors at the group level are participation in various support groups, and at the social level normalization of diseases and informing and raising awareness of the general public.
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