Eczema is most common in developed countries. Although it can affect people of all ages, it’s more frequently seen in children and those with a history of allergies.
Eczema is most common in developed countries and significantly affects various groups, especially children and people with a family history of allergies or asthma.
Although anyone can develop eczema, its severity and symptoms can differ depending on age, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors, such as living in urban settings.
Some groups may experience more severe symptoms due to disparities in healthcare access or variations in diagnosis, which can prevent effective treatment.
Read on to learn more about where eczema is most common in the world, including how it affects different groups.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is most common in high income, industrialized countries. It often affects children more than adults, although adults can also develop the condition.
A review study from 2023 also highlights that certain ethnic groups in developed countries, especially people of African and Asian descent, may experience higher rates of eczema.
Below is a comparison table highlighting the prevalence of eczema in selected countries:
| Country | Prevalence |
|---|---|
| Sweden | 34% (children) |
| Australia | 20.3% (children) |
| United States | 10% to 20% (children), 7% to 10% (adults) |
| Malaysia | 13.4% (children) |
| United Kingdom | 12.3% (children), 5.1% (adults) |
| Rwanda | 0.8% (children) |
| Tunisia | 0.65% (children) |
These statistics indicate that eczema is a common condition, with its prevalence varying depending on the geographical location and age.
However, several factors
- Genetics: If you have a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever, you’re more likely to develop eczema.
- Environmental triggers: Pollution, cold or dry climates, and exposure to irritants like soaps or allergens can worsen eczema symptoms.
- Immune system responses: An overactive immune system reacting to irritants or allergens can cause inflammation.
- Limited healthcare access: In developing countries, eczema might be reported
less often . This could be due to underdiagnosis and limited research in those regions.
Barriers to accurate diagnosis of skin disorders like eczema can vary across groups in the United States. Eczema can look different depending on a person’s skin tone, which can lead to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Eczema typically appears red on light skin tones, while on dark skin tones, it may present as dark brown, gray, or purple. These differences can sometimes lead to doctors misdiagnosing or delaying treatment for people with dark skin tones.
Many healthcare professionals in the United States also may also lack adequate training or experience in recognizing skin conditions in various skin tones. This lack of knowledge can result in inaccurate diagnoses or delays in treatment.
Cultural differences and language barriers can also prevent effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals, leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of symptoms.
Some groups face significant barriers that stop them from accessing healthcare, which can affect their treatment outcomes.
These factors may include:
- Health disparities: Low income groups and marginalized communities may face systemic barriers, including limited access to healthcare facilities and resources.
- Access to information: Some people might not know about the healthcare options available to them, which can prevent them from getting the care they need.
- Cost of care: High medical expenses, lack of insurance, and out-of-pocket costs can make treatment inaccessible for many, leading to untreated or worsening eczema.
- Time constraints: People with demanding jobs or caregiving responsibilities often cannot prioritize healthcare, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
- Cultural stigma: In some communities, skin conditions are misunderstood or stigmatized, preventing people from seeking medical support.
- Long waiting times: Delays in getting appointments with doctors or specialists can worsen health conditions, making treatment more complicated and less effective.
These barriers often result in delayed treatment, mismanagement of symptoms, and poorer overall health outcomes, especially in marginalized communities.
Improving the eczema treatment gap requires addressing disparities in healthcare access, education, and research to ensure every person receives accurate diagnoses and proper care.
Possible strategies to improve the treatment gap
- Increase dermatological training: Ensure healthcare professionals receive training on diagnosing eczema in all skin tones to reduce misdiagnoses.
- Community outreach: Raising awareness about eczema in underserved communities can encourage people to seek treatment earlier.
- Telemedicine: Virtual dermatology consultations can bridge the gap for people in rural or remote areas by providing them with easier access to specialist care without the need for long-distance travel.
- Affordable care: Expanding insurance coverage and offering subsidized treatments can help those who are on a low income access care.
- Encourage research: Invest in studies focusing on eczema in diverse populations to develop inclusive diagnostic criteria.
Eczema is most common in urbanized, developed countries like the United States, especially affecting children and those with a family history of allergies.
However, challenges in diagnosing and treating eczema are more common among people of color and low income communities due to healthcare access barriers, a lack of diversity in dermatology training, and socioeconomic inequalities.
Closing the treatment gap requires a comprehensive approach to improve diagnosis and reduce barriers in access to care.