Peter Moffat, the executive producer recognized for the gripping HBO series “The Night Of,” is not only a master storyteller but also a powerful voice advocating for those living with atopic dermatitis. Having personally navigated the challenges of this chronic skin condition since childhood, Moffat now uses his platform to encourage open conversations and dismantle the stigma associated with it.
From an early age, Peter Moffat’s experience with atopic dermatitis was defined by concealment. The persistent redness, relentless itching, dry skin, and visible flakes led him to develop strategies of avoidance and secrecy. “I engaged in all the typical behaviors – keeping it hidden, feeling ashamed and embarrassed, and wanting to avoid people noticing it,” Moffat recounts. The severity of his condition even impacted his professional life as a young lawyer in London. He routinely wore gloves to mask the symptoms on his hands, concerned that his atopic dermatitis would distract jurors during legal proceedings.
Today, Peter Moffat has transformed his personal struggle into a public mission. As a celebrated English playwright, screenwriter, and producer, he no longer conceals his atopic dermatitis. Instead, he integrates it into his creative work, most notably through the character of criminal defense attorney John Stone in “The Night Of,” portrayed by John Turturro. In the series, Stone’s atopic dermatitis becomes an intrinsic part of his identity, adding depth and complexity to the character.
Moffat reflects on the audience’s response to this portrayal with a sense of impactful connection. “It truly resonated,” Moffat observes. “Reviewing fan comments on Twitter about the show, I was struck by the fact that approximately one-third specifically mentioned [the character’s] AD. One tweet that particularly resonated with me humorously described ‘The Night Of’ as ‘a show about a guy with atopic dermatitis that happens to have a murder subplot.’ And I thought, ‘Exactly!’”
Driven by a desire to broaden understanding and support for those affected, Peter Moffat has partnered with Sanofi Genzyme, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and the National Eczema Association. This collaboration launched UnderstandAD.com, a comprehensive resource designed to educate the public about the realities of severe and chronic atopic dermatitis, a condition impacting over 1.6 million individuals in America alone.
“My aim is to empower individuals to openly discuss atopic dermatitis, diminishing its status as a hidden disease shrouded in stigma and social isolation,” Moffat explains. “Increased dialogue is crucial to achieving this objective.”
In a candid Q&A session, Allergy & Asthma Network engaged with Peter Moffat to delve deeper into his experiences and perspectives on atopic dermatitis.
Understanding Atopic Dermatitis Triggers
When asked about the factors that typically trigger his atopic dermatitis flare-ups, Moffat identified temperature fluctuations and heat as significant contributors. “Often, changes in temperature, particularly heat, are triggers. The activation of central heating during colder periods is particularly problematic, leading to skin dryness and subsequent flare-ups. This is precisely why I favor sandals, even in colder months, to allow my skin to breathe. Confining my feet in socks and shoes throughout the day inevitably leads to significant issues by evening.”
He further noted wool as an irritant when in direct contact with his skin and mentioned a less common trigger: “Interestingly, direct contact with potato peels can also induce a flare.”
Moffat emphasizes the highly individual nature of atopic dermatitis triggers. “AD triggers exhibit remarkable variability from person to person. This complexity likely contributes to the limited understanding some medical professionals have of atopic dermatitis, as its presentation and triggers are so uniquely personal.”
Addressing Misconceptions and Stigma
Peter Moffat is particularly concerned with prevalent misconceptions surrounding atopic dermatitis, especially the erroneous belief that it is contagious. “The most pervasive misconception, and personally the most disheartening, is the notion that atopic dermatitis is contagious. In 2017, the fact that individuals still believe AD or other forms of eczema can be contracted through contact underscores the profound lack of public understanding about the condition and highlights the extensive educational efforts still needed.”
He shared a poignant anecdote illustrating this misconception: “My preference for sandals, beneficial for managing my symptoms, sometimes elicits negative reactions. People will stare at my feet, visibly affected by my skin condition. Disturbingly, some parents actively steer their children away from me, operating under the misguided fear of contagion.”
Moffat passionately advocates for dispelling this harmful myth. “It is crucial to eradicate this misconception. Witnessing someone with eczema poses absolutely no risk of contagion. It is simply not contagious.”
The Importance of Empathy and Awareness
Moffat reflects on the reasons behind the limited understanding and empathy for atopic dermatitis, pointing to a combination of factors. “The historical tendency to conceal and avoid discussing atopic dermatitis has significantly contributed to its lack of public awareness. Feelings of embarrassment often prevent individuals from disclosing their condition. Furthermore, because AD is not perceived as a life-threatening illness, it often does not receive the attention and resources it warrants.”
Despite these challenges, Moffat expresses optimism, drawing on societal shifts in awareness and acceptance over recent decades. “Looking back 30 years, we can observe substantial changes in societal attitudes and behaviors. Significant progress has been made in 30 years, fueling my hopefulness. I maintain a strong belief in people’s capacity for change and increased compassion.”
From Personal Experience to Character Development
Peter Moffat candidly discusses the initial, somewhat misguided, inspiration for incorporating atopic dermatitis into the character of John Stone in “The Night Of.” “Initially, and somewhat regrettably in retrospect, my motivation was less than ideal. When conceiving the character – an ambulance-chasing, low-earning lawyer, a type familiar from my legal background – I considered attributes that would align with this persona. Ideas like dandruff or consistently wearing the same suit came to mind, but I ultimately settled on atopic dermatitis.”
He acknowledges the flawed reasoning behind this initial choice. “I am now somewhat ashamed to admit that I initially associated this skin condition with grubbiness and an undesirable persona – a perspective I now recognize as fundamentally flawed and inappropriate for characterizing the character.”
However, the audience’s reaction to the portrayal of John Stone’s atopic dermatitis revealed a profound and unexpected impact. “Upon witnessing the audience response to ‘The Night Of,’ it became clear that his atopic dermatitis functioned almost as a character in itself. Alongside New York City, it arguably became the most prominent non-human character in the series. Credit is due to John Turturro’s exceptional performance, which vividly conveyed the daily realities of living with atopic dermatitis – the private and public struggles, the constant attempts to manage symptoms, and the spectrum of emotions from pain and embarrassment to the impact on personal relationships.”
“Ultimately, it proved to be the most effective medium for conveying the realities of this condition.”
Learning and Growing Through Shared Experiences
Reflecting on the broader impact of depicting atopic dermatitis in his work, Peter Moffat emphasizes the invaluable insights gained through connecting with the atopic dermatitis community. “My deeper understanding of atopic dermatitis has largely developed in the aftermath of the program. Through my involvement with the UnderstandAD.com initiative, I have connected with a far greater number of individuals living with this condition, significantly enriching my understanding of the diverse personal experiences associated with AD.”
He shares impactful stories that have resonated deeply with him. “I spoke with someone who resigned from a retail position because of the distress caused by customers’ reactions to his facial skin condition – people would enter the store, see his face, and immediately leave. He felt unable to continue working under such scrutiny. Another parent shared the heartbreaking situation of their child who is unable to attend school due to the self-consciousness and negative reactions from peers and teachers, compounded by the school’s threat of expulsion due to absenteeism.”
These personal narratives have profoundly affected Moffat. “These stories are incredibly impactful, underscoring the profound challenges faced by individuals navigating atopic dermatitis. Hearing these experiences has been deeply moving.”
The Power of Storytelling for Awareness
Peter Moffat unequivocally believes in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and foster empathy. “As a writer, it is natural to draw from personal experience. However, I have discovered that engaging with and listening to the experiences of others provides an even richer and more profound education.” He emphasizes the value of community and shared experience. “Connecting with fellow individuals with AD has been a privilege and has solidified my commitment to advancing the UnderstandAD.com initiative, aiming to broaden public knowledge and understanding of this disease.”
Advice for Those Newly Diagnosed
Drawing from his personal journey and advocacy work, Peter Moffat offers crucial advice to individuals newly diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. “My primary recommendation is to visit the website, UnderstandAD.com. There, you will find a community of individuals openly discussing the condition you are experiencing. Feeling part of a community, rather than isolated, is incredibly beneficial. The most critical message is to avoid feeling alone and isolated by this condition. I recognize that this is a significant challenge, requiring considerable courage in today’s world.”
He also addresses the common desire to conceal symptoms. “For many who experience atopic dermatitis on their arms, the temptation to consistently wear long-sleeved shirts, even in summer, to hide visible symptoms is strong. My aspiration is to live in a world where individuals with AD feel empowered to wear short-sleeved shirts without hesitation, regardless of the season. While I empathize deeply with the urge to conceal symptoms, recognizing the anxiety and depression often associated with this condition, I encourage those who feel able to be brave, to show their skin to the world and not hide their condition. Such openness would be profoundly beneficial for everyone.”
