New Study Reveals Significant Co-occurrence of Eczema Conditions Among U.S. Adults
Recent findings published by the National Eczema Association (NEA) shed light on a crucial aspect of eczema care in the United States. The research, titled
Prevalence and Co-Occurrence of Eczema Types in U.S. Adults Insights from the All of Us Research Program, reveals that nearly one in five adult eczema patients are affected by multiple forms of the condition. This publication, released in the
Journal of Investigative Dermatology on March 17, 2025, examines the complex landscape of eczema diagnoses among adults, providing an essential overview of how these various types co-exist.
Eczema, with its multitude of forms—including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, chronic hand eczema, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, atopic neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis—affects over 10% of the U.S. population. This extensive study stands out as it seeks to validate the growing sentiments shared by patients regarding the co-occurrence of different eczema types. While NEA has documented these observations previously, finding solid statistical evidence was vital for informing treatment methods and patient outreach strategies.
The NEA's investigative team utilized the comprehensive All of Us national patient database, which integrates electronic health records, questionnaires, and bio-specimens. This diverse dataset, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), offered an unparalleled opportunity to evaluate how often patients experienced co-prevalent eczema conditions.
As detailed in the findings, the study's key results indicate that among adults with eczema, 19.8% are likely to suffer from multiple eczema types simultaneously. Notably, the most frequently occurring combinations include:
- - Atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis (25.9%)
- - Allergic contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis (15.3%)
- - Atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis (13.8%)
Allison R. Loiselle, co-author of the study and NEA's associate director of data science research, emphasized the importance of recognizing these overlaps to alleviate patient burden and improve treatment efficacy. "Understanding the co-occurrence of eczema types is critical to mitigating patient burden and optimizing comprehensive treatment strategies," she explained. The research suggests a pressing need for real-world evidence focused on treatment effectiveness, especially for patients experiencing simultaneous skin conditions.
This study serves to enhance awareness among both medical professionals and patients regarding the complexities of eczema diagnoses. It encourages further research into personalized care approaches, affirming the need for tailored management strategies that consider co-occurring conditions. By recognizing the interconnectedness of various forms of eczema, better resources and support can be developed for the extensive eczema community.
The NEA's commitment extends beyond research; its Blueprint 2025 plan aims for a holistic approach to tackling eczema challenges. With the increasing acknowledgment of eczema's burden and the urgent need for innovative treatments, NEA stands at the forefront of advocacy, aiming to represent the patient voice and improve care quality.
For a deeper dive into the ongoing research initiatives and patient resources provided by NEA, interested readers are encouraged to visit
NationalEczema.org/surveys. The National Eczema Association, founded in 1988, serves as a nonprofit advocacy platform for over 31 million Americans affected by eczema, working towards a future where eczema is effectively managed or even eradicated. Through education, community support, and robust research efforts, the vision of a world without eczema is increasingly within reach.