How Common Is Eczema in the United States?

If you or your child has eczema, you are far from alone. Eczema, especially atopic dermatitis, is one of the most common chronic skin conditions in the United States, affecting millions of children and adults.

How many people have eczema?

Exact numbers vary depending on how eczema is defined, how surveys are done, and which age groups are studied. However, large national health surveys and dermatology research consistently show a few key patterns:

• Eczema is very common in children. Atopic dermatitis affects a significant portion of U.S. children, with estimates often landing in the high single-digit to low double-digit percentage range of all kids. That means several out of every 100 children – and in some studies, more than 1 in 10 – live with eczema at some point.
• Many adults are affected too. Adult eczema is less common than childhood eczema but still affects a meaningful share of the population. Some adults develop eczema for the first time later in life, while others continue to have it after childhood.
• When combining children and adults, tens of millions of people in the United States are estimated to have some form of eczema, either currently or historically.

Because researchers use different methods and definitions, they do not all report the same exact percentage, but they consistently agree that eczema is one of the most prevalent skin conditions nationwide.

Who is most likely to have eczema?

Eczema does not affect everyone equally. Research has found that:

• Children are more likely than adults to have eczema, especially in early childhood.
• Family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies (the “atopic” conditions) increases risk.
• People living in urban or high-income countries tend to have higher rates, suggesting environmental and lifestyle factors play a role.
• Some studies have found differences among racial and ethnic groups, with certain communities showing higher reported rates, although access to diagnosis and care can influence these numbers.

Why these numbers matter

Understanding how many people have eczema helps:

• Guide research funding for better treatments and possible prevention strategies.
• Shape public health planning, including education for parents, schools, and healthcare providers.
• Reduce stigma, by making it clear that eczema is a common medical condition, not a sign of poor hygiene or neglect.

For individuals and families, the most important takeaway is that eczema is common, chronic, and manageable. Knowing how widespread it is can make it easier to seek support, ask questions, and advocate for effective care.