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Sponsor Acknowledgment
This episode is sponsored by LEO Pharma. LEO Pharma is a global research-based pharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing the standard of care for people living with skin conditions, their families, and society. Sponsorship helps support the Amplify podcast, but the conversation, perspectives, and final content are produced independently by Patient Voice Partners and its guests. We thank LEO Pharma for supporting conversations that elevate patient experiences and increase awareness of chronic skin conditions.
Episode Summary
What happens when the very hands you rely on for work, caregiving, and everyday life become a source of pain?
In this episode of Amplify, Amy Wright shares her personal journey living with chronic hand eczema while working as a neonatal nurse practitioner and raising two young children. Amy opens up about the physical discomfort, emotional impact, workplace challenges, and advocacy efforts surrounding this often misunderstood condition.
From delayed diagnosis and painful flare-ups to navigating triggers and advocating for safer workplace products, Amy offers an honest look at the realities of living with chronic hand eczema and why greater awareness, prevention, and support are urgently needed.
Episode Highlights
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03:23 – Amy shares when she first noticed something was wrong and how her symptoms began during an international trip.
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05:13 – How the pandemic dramatically worsened her condition through constant handwashing and disinfectant exposure.
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08:34 – The long road to diagnosis and the frustration of limited treatment options.
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10:22 – What Amy learned from patient communities that she didn’t learn in the healthcare system.
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14:28 – The physical symptoms of chronic hand eczema—and why it’s much more than “just dry skin.”
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16:20 – The emotional impact of visible skin conditions, including embarrassment, stigma, and everyday interactions.
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17:37 – A mother’s perspective: when chronic hand eczema affects the simple act of touching your children.
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20:22 – How everyday products, from soap to shampoo, can become unexpected challenges.
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24:15 – The reality of managing chronic hand eczema while raising young children.
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28:25 – What coworkers, employers, and healthcare organizations can do to better support those living with the condition.
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31:24 – Amy discusses advocacy efforts aimed at improving workplace safety and awareness.
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35:29 – The hidden economic burden of chronic hand eczema on individuals and healthcare systems.
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38:40 – Amy shares what she’s most looking forward to outside of work and advocacy.
Dr. Amy Wright, RN, PhD, NP-Pediatrics, NCC-BC
Amy is a distinguished leader in neonatal nursing and an acclaimed researcher dedicated to advancing health equity and cultural safety. As an Assistant Professor at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, she bridges the gap between high-level academia and frontline clinical excellence.
Dr. Wright’s program of research, funded by the CIHR and SSHRC, focuses on the experiences and needs of Indigenous parents with young children. Her work is deeply rooted in community-engaged approaches, advocating for Trauma- and Violence-Informed Care (TVIC) and the elimination of structural barriers within the healthcare system. Clinically, she maintains an active practice as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner in the NICU at McMaster Children’s Hospital, ensuring her research remains grounded in the realities of patient and family care.
A tireless advocate for the profession, Dr. Wright serves as the President of the Canadian Association of Neonatal Nurses (CANN) . Her contributions have been recognized nationally, including being named one of the “150 Nurses for Canada” by the Canadian Nurses Association, solidifying her reputation as a pivotal voice in neonatal health and advocate for Indigenous cultural safety.
Medical Disclaimer:
The content shared on Amplify is for informational and educational purposes only.
Nothing discussed on this podcast—including stories, experiences, perspectives, or commentary from hosts, guests, or contributors—should be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
Always seek the guidance of your physician or other licensed provider with any questions regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options.