Prevalence of Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that affects millions of people across the globe. Also called atopic dermatitis, it is characterized by dry, itchy skin. Eczema can be painful, uncomfortable, and frustrating for those who live with it.^1,2

How many people are affected by eczema?

To date, about 31 million people in the United States have eczema. Data show that about 1 in 10 people will develop eczema at some point in their lives. And rates of the condition have grown since the late 1990s, especially in children.¹

Who gets eczema?

Eczema can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. But it is most common in young children and infants. Many children outgrow it as they get older, but some may continue to have symptoms into adulthood. In adults, eczema can develop for the first time or persist from childhood.^1,2

Age

Here is a breakdown of eczema prevalence when it comes to age:^1,2

• Nearly 10 million children in the US under 18 have eczema. One-third of them have severe disease.
• About 16 million adults in the US have eczema. About 40 percent of them have moderate to severe disease.
• 80 percent of people with eczema experience their first symptoms before the age of 6.
• 80 percent of children with eczema will outgrow their disease by the time they become teens or adults.
• Eczema most commonly lasts into adulthood in men, those with severe symptoms, and those who develop the disease later.

Geography

Studies have shown that there is a higher risk of eczema in urban environments versus rural environments. Also, children born outside the United States have only half the risk of developing eczema than those born in the US. That risk increases after the child has lived in the US for 10 years.^1,3

A 2023 study found that, in recent decades, risk for eczema has increased in developing countries compared to developed countries. Developing countries are those with less established industrial systems and standards of living.³

Race, ethnicity, and gender

Eczema affects people of different races, ethnicities, and genders differently. For example, in the United States:^1-4

• 13 percent of Asians or Pacific Islanders have eczema.
• 13 percent of indigenous or Native Americans have eczema.
• 11 percent of white people have eczema.
• 10 percent of Black people have eczema.
• Black and Hispanic children tend to have more severe eczema than white children.
• Eczema can affect all children equally. But the condition is more common in adult women than in adult men.

What are the causes and risk factors of eczema?

The exact cause of eczema is not entirely known. But experts agree that there are several things that can increase a person’s chance of developing eczema. These include:^2,5,6

• Family history – You are more likely to develop eczema if family members have it, especially if your mother.
• History of allergies or hay fever – People with a family history of allergies or hay fever are more likely to develop eczema.
• Immune system dysfunction – Some people may have a genetic change that interferes with how their immune system functions. This can lead to eczema or other skin issues.
• Environmental factors – Things in your environment – like makeup, dust mites, clothing, food allergens, detergents, or fragrances – can trigger eczema and worsen symptoms.
• Climate – Exposure to cold, dry weather can dry out your skin and make eczema worse.

Diagnosis statistics

An estimated 60 percent of people with eczema are diagnosed within 1 year of having initial symptoms. For about 16 percent of people, the road to diagnosis takes 2 years or more. Delayed diagnosis is more common in adults than in children.¹

Treatment is available

There is no cure or one-size-fits-all solution for eczema. But understanding your risk factors and triggers can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you think you may have eczema, talk to your doctor or dermatologist.²