4A – Forming An Opportunity Belief

             I believe there is an unmet need within society regarding an eczema cure. For those who don’t know what eczema is, it’s a set of chronic skin conditions caused by inflammation. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common type of eczema and has been called the "itch that rashes." The general term “eczema” is usually used to refer to AD. The word “atopic” means an allergy that is usually hereditary, and “dermatitis” is defined as inflammation of the skin. (Neosporin.com). I believe I could provide a shot that could cure eczema before its effects start taking place within a child. Children and adult with the condition would definitely need this. This need is not new as the world has tried to come up with a cure for eczema for the longest time. Although a cure hasn’t been found, they’re multiple ways to try to reduce the symptoms (through allergy testing, topical steroids, oral steroids). Living with eczema can be detrimental to one’s life. “Eczema can be a very stressful and frustrating condition and can make living your daily life challenging and uncomfortable. The intense, frequent itch can cause loss of sleep and days off from work, and many children have to miss school days. You may find yourself making significant lifestyle changes and even avoiding fun activities, like going to the pool or playing a sport, because of your eczema. You may wear certain clothes to cover up the way it looks. Of course, if you’re a parent, you may worry if you’re doing everything you can to help your child” (Neosporin.org). I’ve seen it personally as my mom, little brother, and my grandfather all had it. I’m fortunate enough to have never had eczema. I think there’s a 50% chance this opportunity exists as the medical world gathers and gains new knowledge every year. Eczema hasn’t been cured yet officially, but I believe it will be in the not-so distant future.

Interviews:

#1: Late 30’s female who had eczema as a child but outgrew it by age 8. 

• When did you start noticing some symptoms of eczema in your body?

• “At around 5 years old.”

• What were exactly some of your symptoms?

• “My arms would itch uncontrollably… by far one of the most frustrating things I have to deal with in my entire life.”

• Did you know that it’s estimated that eczema affects 35 million Americans: 1-3% of adults, and 10-20% of children?

• “Only 1-3%?... I thought that number would be higher to be honest.”

• What strategies/medicine did your doctor give you growing up to help combat eczema?

• “I was given many different oral and topical steroids over the entirety of my life. At around 8 years old though they started to help a lot and eventually I stopped feeling the effects of eczema.”

• Do you wish there was a shot that could cure eczema?

·        “YES!!! My childhood wouldn’t have been so stressful, and it would’ve eased the life of my parents who did everything for me to try to make me comfortable.”

#2:  A 16-year-old boy who just recently stopped getting the symptoms of eczema at age 14.

• When did you start noticing some symptoms of eczema in your body?

• “2 years old.”

• What were exactly some of your symptoms?

• “My hands, ankles, and knees would constantly always itch. My hands would crack, and it left me feeling terrible about myself.”

• Did you know that it’s estimated that eczema affects 35 million Americans: 1-3% of adults, and 10-20% of children?

• “That sounds about right. I started feeling the effects at such a young age so that doesn’t surprise me.”

• What strategies/medicine did your doctor give you growing up to help combat eczema?

• “I did it all. From bleach baths, to wet wraps, to a million different kinds of creams, I was given so many things to help aid my eczema.”

• Do you wish there was a shot that could cure eczema?

“Yes. I’m 16 now and I think I’ve finally outgrown the condition. I haven’t felt any eczema effects in over 2 years, and I couldn’t be happier. However, growing up was tough. I was often made fun of because my skin always looking bad and it really affected me growing up. If this shot had been around when I was a child, it would’ve changed my life.”

#3 A man in his 50’s who has lived with eczema all his life.

• When did you start noticing some symptoms of eczema in your body?

• “5 years old.”

• What were exactly some of your symptoms?

• “I would say I’ve only had minor eczema throughout my life…It appears primarily on my legs and it would itch like a mosquito bite.”

• Did you know that it’s estimated that eczema affects 35 million Americans: 1-3% of adults, and 10-20% of children?

• “I’m surprised the number in adults isn’t higher.”

• What strategies/medicine did your doctor give you growing up to help combat eczema?

• “I’ve just primarily been given different creams and other ointment’s as I’ve grown. Unfortunately, I never outgrew the condition, but it has never really affected my life that bad. The condition has come in spurts throughout my life… I’ve done my best to not let the condition hinder me in anyway.”

• Do you wish there was a shot that could cure eczema?

“Yes, I wish there was so that others like myself wouldn’t have to deal with this unfortunate condition.”

Reflection:

Overall, after interviewing 3 different people who have had eczema, I learned that my opportunity would’ve definitely helped. Eczema affects individuals in different ways and comes and goes within the body. Some outgrow it at a very early age while others deal with the effects for a longer period of time. Some even have the condition for their entire lives. The most surprising thing I learned was how much of an effect the condition can have one’s mental health. Having the condition lead to depression and low self-esteem. Some even get bullied sadly. With a shot that could cure the condition, I believe it would change so many people’s lives for the better.

Summary:

I think the opportunity is still there and I do think it could help people’s lives. I do believe that my opportunity is more accurate after interviewing people. However, I also learned that without the shot, individuals may be okay in the end as many people outgrow the condition at a certain age. However, others never do and have the condition for years upon years. That’s when my opportunity would help the most, I think. Lastly, I definitely believe entrepreneurs should adapt their ideas based on customer feedbacks. Customers are the ones that make business flourish, so if you aren’t listening to what they want, there’s a good chance your product won’t be successful.