#United States #Novato #Atopic Dermatitis #National Eczema Association #Eczema Awareness

National Eczema Association Releases Landmark Report on Atopic Dermatitis Across the U.S.

On October 1, 2026, the National Eczema Association (NEA) unveiled its comprehensive State of Atopic Dermatitis Indicator Report. This pioneering document, backed by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides invaluable insights into the care and prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) across the United States. It consists of a national reference dataset coupled with detailed briefs for all 51 states and Washington, D.C., aiming to reshape the healthcare landscape concerning this persistent skin condition.

Identifying the Gaps in Care

One of the most glaring findings of the report is the significant disconnect between estimated and diagnosed cases of AD. While it is estimated that between 6.0% and 16.9% of children and 4.9% to 10.4% of adults are affected by AD, the clinical documentation trails far behind, with only about 6.9 million individuals in the U.S. having a formal diagnosis by 2023. This alarming trend highlights how many people remain undiagnosed or untreated:

“Atopic dermatitis too often goes unaddressed, both by patients who don't realize their symptoms are worth raising, and in visits where it isn't the main concern,” explains Kristin Belleson, President and CEO of NEA.

This report provides the evidence necessary for healthcare leaders to take action and improve AD recognition and care at every level.

Regional Disparities in Specialist Availability

Another pivotal aspect of the report exposes the stark geographic variation in access to specialist care for AD. An estimate indicates that approximately 13% of Americans live in areas devoid of dermatology or allergy/immunology practitioners. In states such as Alabama, Delaware, Hawaii, and Nevada, patients face the dual challenge of a high prevalence of diagnosed AD and a deficit of specialized practitioners, creating barriers to necessary advanced treatment options.

The report notes that while mild cases of AD can often be treated in primary care settings, the scarcity of specialists presents a major obstacle for patients who could benefit from specialized care.

Treatment Protocols Lagging Behind Guidelines

In an age where treatment methodologies are rapidly evolving, the report highlights an alarming trend: treatment patterns for AD often do not conform to current clinical guidelines. The most commonly used forms of treatment remain topical corticosteroids, administered to between 42% to 52% of diagnosed individuals. Meanwhile, systemic corticosteroids are prescribed to only 4% to 5%, despite guidelines recommending against their routine use. Furthermore, the most favored biologic treatments currently reach only 2% to 4% of patients, which starkly contrasts with the broach of established care practices.

Key Findings at a Glance

• - About 783,000 diagnosed AD patients also have asthma, showcasing the interplay between chronic conditions.
• - AD impacts individuals throughout all life stages, peaking in early childhood at 10.4% in children aged 0–2 years but rebounding significantly in older adults aged 65 and above, with a prevalence of 3.1%.
• - A substantial amount of AD-related medical visits occur outside specialist settings, with primary care practitioners handling 36% to 52% of these consultations.
• - The advent of telehealth solutions has yet to make a significant impact, accounting for merely 1.2% to 1.3% of AD-related dermatology visits compared to 5.0% in primary care appointments.

Wendy Smith Begolka, Chief Program and Mission Officer at NEA, reinforces this sentiment:

“What stands out in this data is how much eczema touches all stages of life... It serves as a reminder that this disease has been underestimated for its impact.”

With such crucial findings, the NEA aims to transition the focus from reactive treatment to proactive strategies for lifelong disease management. The complete findings can be accessed on StateofAD.org and will be further discussed during the virtual State of AD Symposium on October 1, 2026.

A Move Towards Change

The NEA has positioned itself as a vital advocate for the millions living with eczema, pushing for recognition and improved care standards. Established in 1988, NEA is the largest patient advocacy group dedicated to providing resources, information, and community support for those affected by eczema, striving to enhance their quality of life through informed patient engagement and influential research.

With the insights from this comprehensive report, the NEA not only illuminates the pressing issues at hand but also galvanizes action towards sustainable change in how atopic dermatitis is managed across the nation.