A sweeping new report from the National Eczema Association paints a stark picture: atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common skin conditions in the U.S., yet the vast majority of people living with it are going undiagnosed. The State of Atopic Dermatitis Indicator Report — a 4-year, CDC-funded initiative covering all 50 states and D.C. — found that only 1 in 5 insured Americans estimated to have eczema have actually received a formal diagnosis.

Treatment patterns are equally concerning. The most commonly used therapies are still topical corticosteroids, despite current guidelines advising against their routine use. Access to dermatologists, allergists, and immunologists is also highly uneven — about 13% of Americans live in counties with no such specialists at all. Telehealth, which could help bridge that gap, is barely being used for AD-related visits (just 1.2–1.3%), compared to higher rates in primary care and allergy settings.

By the Numbers:

• 6%–16.9% of children and 4.9%–10.4% of adults are affected by AD
• 42%–52% of diagnosed patients are still receiving topical steroids
• ~783,000 AD patients also have documented asthma; ~703,000 have had secondary skin infections
• 36%–52% of AD-related visits are handled by primary care physicians

Why it matters: AD is a significant, under-recognized public health burden — and the gaps in diagnosis and care mean millions of Americans are suffering without proper treatment. The NEA plans to use this report as a springboard for targeted, state-by-state awareness and action.