Think eczema only affects babies or people with allergies? Think again—it can impact anyone, at any age, and it doesn’t always look the same. Eczema is common but complex, and who it affects can vary by age, gender, ethnicity, and genetics. This article dives into the demographic landscape of eczema—who’s most affected, and why. Eczema, particularly its most common form, atopic dermatitis (AD), represents a significant global health burden, affecting a substantial portion of the population. In the United States, approximately 10% of the population experiences some form of eczema.
In this article
Eczema by Age Group
Infants and Young Children
Eczema often begins early in life. Around 10–20% of infants develop eczema, typically before age 5. Globally, childhood eczema prevalence ranges from 10–20%, with some regions reporting up to 30%.
- In the U.S., about 10.7–13% of children under 18 are affected by atopic dermatitis.
- Roughly 60% of cases begin by age 1, and 80–90% by age 5.
- It often starts on the face or scalp.
Many children outgrow eczema—but for some, it continues into adolescence or adulthood.
Teens and Young Adults
For teens, eczema may be a continuation from childhood, though new cases can develop during this stage too. Hormonal changes, stress, and lifestyle shifts can influence flare-ups.
Adults
Adult eczema affects 1–10% of the global population, with a commonly cited prevalence of 2–3%. In the U.S., around 7.2–7.3% of adults live with atopic dermatitis—about 16.5 million people.
Eczema may persist from childhood or begin later in life. Adult-onset cases often peak in the 50s.
Seniors
Eczema can continue into older age or begin anew in later life. Age-related skin changes—like thinning, dryness, and a weakened barrier—can increase vulnerability to irritants.
- Asteatotic eczema (or “eczema craquelé”) is common in seniors, especially on the shins and lower legs.
Side Note: While eczema most often begins in early childhood, it can appear at any life stage—even for the first time in adulthood or old age.
Eczema by Gender
Gender differences are notable in eczema. Globally, females often show a slightly higher prevalence or burden of atopic dermatitis compared to males.
Childhood
Slightly more common in boys. In early childhood, boys tend to have higher rates of atopic dermatitis.
Adulthood
Slightly more common in women. From adolescence onward, the rates of atopic dermatitis tend to be higher in girls and women. Women often report a greater subjective burden and quality of life impact from eczema, even with similar clinical severity. Women may experience hormone-related flares, for example, during pregnancy or menstruation. Some types of eczema, like hand eczema, are more common in adult women, possibly due to increased exposure to wet work and cleaning agents in certain occupations and domestic settings, rather than inherent biological differences…. Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) may also be reported more frequently in women, potentially due to these higher exposure rates.
Eczema by Ethnicity
Racial and ethnic disparities in eczema prevalence and severity are well documented, especially in the U.S.
White/Caucasian Individuals
More likely to be diagnosed with eczema, but this may reflect healthcare access or diagnostic bias9 .
Black/African American Individuals
Experience higher prevalence and often greater severity of eczema, particularly atopic dermatitis. This gap may be widening over time. Eczema may present as darker, purple-hued patches rather than red on Black skin. Black children in the US have a higher prevalence of atopic dermatitis compared to White children. Eczema in Black individuals is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Asian Individuals
Among Asian populations, eczema may be more likely to involve scaling and thickening of the skin. Individuals of Asian descent may also have higher rates of associated conditions such as asthma or food allergies.
Latino/Hispanic Individuals
In Latino and Hispanic populations, eczema prevalence varies across regions and genetic backgrounds. This group tends to experience moderate to severe symptoms, though prevalence is generally lower compared to Black populations in the US.
Side Note: Eczema can look different depending on your skin tone—and that affects diagnosis and treatment.
Other Risk Factors
In addition to age, gender, and ethnicity, other factors can influence eczema risk:
Family history:
Eczema often runs in families, especially alongside asthma or hay fever (a pattern known as atopy).
Environmental exposure:
Pollution, cold climates, hard water, and allergens can worsen eczema.
Socioeconomic status:
Limited access to skincare products, crowded housing, or delayed medical care can contribute to increased severity.
Occupation:
Jobs that involve frequent handwashing, chemical exposure, or physical irritants (like gloves or wool) can raise the risk of occupational dermatitis.
Infants and seniors:
They may also be more vulnerable to irritants due to their thinner, more delicate skin.
Takeaway: Eczema Doesn’t Discriminate
Eczema can affect anyone—regardless of age, race, or gender. But understanding who’s most at risk can help with early recognition, better management, and more inclusive care. It’s not just about biology—it’s also shaped by where you live, how you work, and how your skin is seen.
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