Exploring Eczema Awareness Month 2026
October marks an important time for those affected by eczema, as the National Eczema Association (NEA) embarks on Eczema Awareness Month 2026. This year, the focus is on assessing the current state of eczema and what it means for the more than 31 million Americans living with the condition. The initiative aims to ignite conversations about daily life with eczema, extending a call to those diagnosed and their caregivers to share their experiences.
Eczema, particularly its most prevalent form, atopic dermatitis (AD), can be a challenging condition that affects individuals in various ways. NEA emphasizes the need to recognize both the clinical data surrounding eczema and the personal stories that illustrate the realities of living with this skin condition. These dual perspectives provide a richer understanding of the needs and challenges faced by those affected.
In line with the theme of Eczema Awareness Month, NEA began this initiative by releasing its
State of Atopic Dermatitis Indicator Report on October 1. This comprehensive report, combined with 51 state-level briefs, sheds light on the diagnostic landscape and care practices across the United States. The findings reveal staggering gaps in awareness and treatment that need to be addressed to improve the quality of life for eczema sufferers.
Kristin Belleson, president and CEO of NEA, underscores the importance of visibility during this month. She states, “Eczema Awareness Month is about making sure people feel seen. The State of AD gives us the evidence to show that eczema deserves attention in every state, and the stories our community is sharing show why it matters. Together, they tell the whole story.” This statement highlights NEA's goal to unify data with personal narratives, encouraging a more comprehensive dialogue about eczema.
Compelling Video Stories
In conjunction with this data-driven approach, NEA is rolling out video testimonials featuring individuals and caregivers affected by eczema. These compelling narratives serve as a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a personal journey that deserves to be heard. These visual stories can be found on their dedicated platform at
EczemaMonth.org.
Engage with Eczema Awareness Month
Throughout October, NEA is inviting everyone—patients, caregivers, health care professionals, and supporters—to engage with their community and raise awareness. Here are a few ways to get involved:
- - Watch and Share Stories: Join the conversation by watching the shared video testimonials and helping to disseminate these powerful messages.
- - Dive into the Data: Explore the full State of AD report and your state's specific findings at StateofAD.org.
- - Social Media Participation: Use the hashtag #UnhideEczema on social media to share your journey or support the cause.
- - Visit EczemaMonth.org: This resource portal includes additional tools, events, and engagement opportunities designed to foster awareness around eczema care.
Conclusion
As we celebrate Eczema Awareness Month 2026, it is critical to emphasize the community aspect of this journey. From gathering comprehensive data to encouraging personal storytelling, NEA is committed to ensuring that the voices of those affected by eczema are amplified. This month serves as a reminder that awareness is essential not only for understanding the condition but also for facilitating better care and support for millions of individuals and families.
NEA expresses gratitude to its sponsors and partners, including AbbVie, all® free clear, LEO Pharma, and Sanofi and Regeneron, for their contributions that help make Eczema Awareness Month a reality. With the backing of these organizations, NEA strives to create a path towards improved living conditions for everyone affected by eczema.