Closing the Atopic Dermatitis Gap for People of Color
Eczema

Closing the Atopic Dermatitis Gap for People of Color

Atopic dermatitis is more common — and more severe — in people with darker skin tones than lighter ones. Yet, this group is often overlooked or undertreated, which can take a toll on their quality of life.
Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that’s historically been described as patches of red, inflamed skin. However, on darker skin tones, these patches are more likely to show up as brown, purple, or ashy gray skin, and are often accompanied with intense itchiness, oozing, and scaling.

Atopic dermatitis is also more common — and can be more severe — in Black and Hispanic Americans. Yet, the discrepancy in symptoms combined with genetic, environmental, social, and economic factors can lead to challenges diagnosing, managing, and treating atopic dermatitis in people of color — all of which can take a toll on someone’s image and quality of life.

To bridge the gap in education and care, these organizations are increasing awareness around eczema in people with darker skin tones:

Being proactive and learning everything you can about how the condition impacts your skin can help you become your own best advocate for your care.

Watch NowEczemaHow Inclusive Is Atopic Dermatitis Treatment, Really?Fact-Checked on May 07, 2025In this video series, we highlight the unique experience of Black women living with the condition.Watch Now

Hear Personal Stories

Esther Hong

“A lot of people talk about acne and how it affects them, but no one ever talks about eczema.”
Esther's Story
Esther Hong

Dana Sellers

"It was very important for me to speak up as a Black woman and talk about eczema. … You don't realize how many people are dealing with an issue until you actually vocalize it to a broader community."
Dana's Story
Dana Sellers

Jesse Dalton

"I realize that it’s not the end of the world to have an outbreak. But it’s still draining. It costs money. It’s emotionally taxing ... and it’s still something that holds me back.”
Jesse's Story
Jesse Dalton

20%

Approximately 20 percent of African Americans develop eczema at some point in their lifetime, compared with about 16 percent of Caucasian Americans and 8 percent of Hispanic Americans.
— Mohiba Tareen, MD
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Kaufman B et al. Eczema in Skin of Color: What You Need to Know. National Eczema Association. September 22, 2023.
  2. Atopic Dermatitis in Skin of Color. Eczema in Skin of Color.