We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the recent GlobalSkin ELEVATE Conference in Brussels, where Annemarie Sluijmers, Vice Chair and Secretary of Lupus Europe, was honoured with the prestigious GlobalSkin Patient Leaders Award. The conference, held from June 1 to 4, brought together experts, researchers, and patient advocates from the field of dermatology to discuss and strengthen connections across world regions and disease areas. During this event, Annemarie received the Collaborator Award for her outstanding contributions to the GlobalSkin Europe Community. Let’s take a closer look at Annemarie’s work with GlobalSkin and at how Lupus Europe is making a difference in raising awareness for skin-related issues in Lupus.

 

Group picture of delegates from ELEVATE 2023 ConferenceLupus Europe has been collaborating with the GlobalSkin community, the International Alliance of Dermatologic Patient Organisations (IADPO). IADPO has many members, the majority of whom are patient organisations in Europe. IADPO’s focus is on skin-related conditions, on uniting the voices of European Rare Skin Patients and on advocating for medical dermatology to be prioritised on the European policy agenda.

 

 

 

Photo from GlobalSkin ELEVATE Conference; you can find it: https://www.flickr.com/photos/iadpo/albums 

 

Annemarie Sluijmers plays a pivotal role in this collaboration between Lupus Europe and IADPO. Annemarie is a Vice Chair and Secretary of Lupus Europe and she is also a member of the Advisory Committee of GlobalSkin-Europe. This platform brings  together patient advocates, dermatologists, and policymakers to work towards common goals. Additionally, Annemarie is also a member of the Advisory Committee of RareDERM and the Steering Committee of the World Skin Health Coalition.

 

Highlights from the ELEVATE Conference:

 

  • The ELEVATE 2023 conference offered valuable insights into various aspects of dermatology, research, and advocacy. Here are some key takeaways:

 

  • The Importance of Data: Experts emphasised the significance of global data for (rare) skin diseases, requiring unique codes compatible with different IT systems.

 

4-four-things-change-dermatology

    Photo from GlobalSkin ELEVATE Conference; you can find it: https://www.flickr.com/photos/iadpo/albums 

  • AI and Non-Invasive Imaging: AI technology has potential applications beyond primary care skin cancer, offering non-invasive imaging for various dermatological conditions.

 

  • LC-OCT: Line-field confocal optical coherence could be a promising alternative to skin biopsies.

 

  • Personalised Medicine: The conference highlighted the importance of personalised medicine, including the sterilisation and re-use of single-use instruments and using medications beyond their expiration date.

 

Recognising Outstanding Contributions:

During the ELEVATE Conference, Lupus Europe’s very own Annemarie Sluijmers received the Collaborator Award for her dedication to the GlobalSkin Europe Community.

Photo of Annemarie Sluijmers receiving the Collaborate award during the ELEVATE 2023 Conference

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Photo from GlobalSkin ELEVATE Conference; you can find it:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iadpo/albums 

 

This was said about her: “Annemarie is Board Member of Lupus Europe. She is a devoted patient advocate and a committed supporter of the GlobalSkin Europe activities. She consistently provides insights and share ideas, precious for the whole community. I must also stress that she is a diligent Eupati fellow. Annemarie is very active not only at the national, but also at the European level.

 

 

GRIDD Study: 

 

If you have skin lupus or involvement of the skin while having SLE, do participate in the GRIDD study survey. You can find the GRIDD study survey at the following link: https://www.my.crf.one/en/Public/RegisterSurvey/279e953a-b9be-4b2c-9b5c-f1e32a25bb59

 

Your input will contribute to furthering the understanding of these conditions and their true impact. Collaboration and data play crucial roles in improving the lives of those affected by skin diseases

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1 hour ago

😨 Did you miss our #EULAR2025 debrief webinar?

😮‍💨 Don't worry! You can watch the full session at your convenience.

Catch up on all the insights shared by many of the presenters, as well as some of our volunteers and PAN members, on our Facebook page!

www.facebook.com/LupusEurope/videos/1257813502412444
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😨 Did you miss our #EULAR2025 debrief webinar?

😮‍💨 Dont worry! You can watch the full session at your convenience.

Catch up on all the insights shared by many of the presenters, as well as some of our volunteers and PAN members, on our Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/LupusEurope/videos/1257813502412444
3 days ago

‼️ According to our "Living with Lupus in 2020" survey, 𝐔𝐕 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 for those with lupus.

😱 In fact, 𝟔𝟖.𝟓% of respondents reported experiencing sun sensitivity, making it a significant concern for many.

💥 UV sensitivity can greatly limit daily activities and impact the quality of life for people with lupus. Here are a few examples:

🏗️ 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛𝐬: Those who work outdoors, such as in construction, agriculture, or any job requiring prolonged sun exposure, often struggle to manage their symptoms.

The need to stay covered and protected from the sun can make these jobs particularly challenging.

🏖️ 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞: UV light can significantly impact social and family life for individuals with lupus.

Activities such as spending a day at the beach, attending park outings, enjoying barbecues, and participating in festivals or outdoor events become challenging due to the need for constant sun protection.

This often means seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, which can limit spontaneity and enjoyment.

For some patients, the sensitivity to UV light is so severe that they cannot attend these events at all, as exposure could trigger a lupus flare, further limiting their ability to engage in social and family activities.

🔊 Join us this month as we share tips and strategies to manage UV sensitivity and protect yourself from the sun.

😊 Share your experiences and how you #KickLupus & UV light in your daily life
... See MoreSee Less

‼️ According to our Living with Lupus in 2020 survey, 𝐔𝐕 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 for those with lupus. 

😱 In fact, 𝟔𝟖.𝟓% of respondents reported experiencing sun sensitivity, making it a significant concern for many.

💥 UV sensitivity can greatly limit daily activities and impact the quality of life for people with lupus. Here are a few examples:

🏗️ 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛𝐬: Those who work outdoors, such as in construction, agriculture, or any job requiring prolonged sun exposure, often struggle to manage their symptoms. 

The need to stay covered and protected from the sun can make these jobs particularly challenging.

🏖️ 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞: UV light can significantly impact social and family life for individuals with lupus. 

Activities such as spending a day at the beach, attending park outings, enjoying barbecues, and participating in festivals or outdoor events become challenging due to the need for constant sun protection. 

This often means seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, which can limit spontaneity and enjoyment. 

For some patients, the sensitivity to UV light is so severe that they cannot attend these events at all, as exposure could trigger a lupus flare, further limiting their ability to engage in social and family activities. 

🔊 Join us this month as we share tips and strategies to manage UV sensitivity and protect yourself from the sun. 

😊 Share your experiences and how you #KickLupus & UV light in your daily lifeImage attachment
6 days ago

🟣 Phase 2 of LUPUS-ALERT is now complete!

Thanks to the incredible contributions of patients and healthcare professionals from around the world, we are one step closer to creating a tool that will screen for vulnerabilities people may face during lupus care.

🔍 LUPUS-ALERT is a project co-developed by patients and clinicians that will systematically screen for vulnerabilities that can impact lupus management:

🔷 Associated conditions
🔷 Comorbidities
🔷 Social and economic context
🔷 Challenges and barriers — like language, access to medication, or distance to care

🙌 Thank you to everyone who has helped shape this project so far. Your input is helping shape a more equitable and person-centred future for lupus care.

💜 A very special thank you to Prof Laurent Arnaud and Dr Guimarães de Oliveira for their commitment and dedication throughout this process!

📌 Stay tuned — more to come soon!
... See MoreSee Less

🟣 Phase 2 of LUPUS-ALERT is now complete!

Thanks to the incredible contributions of patients and healthcare professionals from around the world, we are one step closer to creating a tool that will screen for vulnerabilities people may face during lupus care.

🔍 LUPUS-ALERT is a project co-developed by patients and clinicians that will systematically screen for vulnerabilities that can impact lupus management:

🔷 Associated conditions
🔷 Comorbidities
🔷 Social and economic context
🔷 Challenges and barriers — like language, access to medication, or distance to care

🙌 Thank you to everyone who has helped shape this project so far. Your input is helping shape a more equitable and person-centred future for lupus care.

💜 A very special thank you to Prof Laurent Arnaud and Dr Guimarães de Oliveira for their commitment and dedication throughout this process!

📌 Stay tuned — more to come soon!
1 week ago

🌟Thank you to all who attended our #EULAR2025 debrief webinar!

🙌 Especially to our presenters, volunteers & PAN members who shared their insights & experiences.

Stay tuned for more news and updates & don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter! www.lupus-europe.org/emails/
... See MoreSee Less

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