Where Patients Live Shapes Atopic Dermatitis Care Access, NEA Report Finds

“We know every state has something it can improve upon; we want this data to be a starting point for those conversations and ultimately lead to timely action,” said Tenesha Wallace Hood, MA, director of healthcare provider engagement at the National Eczema Association (NEA), in a recent interview.

Wallace Hood discussed the NEA’s new State of AD 2026 National Indicator Report and what state-level findings mean for access to atopic dermatitis (AD) care. NEA is a patient advocacy organization serving all forms of eczema. Wallace Hood has worked closely on the NEA initiative funded by the CDC and on the development and dissemination of the State of AD work.

Watch the first part of Wallace Hood’s discussion on the meaning of diagnosed prevalence in AD and the interpretation of systemic steroid findings.

Geography and Access to AD Care

"Where someone lives can affect their access to AD care," Wallace Hood said.

The report found substantial variation in dermatology, allergy, immunology, and practitioner density across states. About 13% of Americans lived in a county without one of those specialists. AD care remains overwhelmingly in person, with telehealth representing 1% of dermatology visits for AD in 2023.

Wallace Hood said the numbers translate to long travel distances, longer waits for appointments, and fewer options for specialty care. "Understanding these differences at the state and local level is so important," she said.

Applying the Findings in the Exam Room and Beyond

"The data alone doesn't change care, but it helps us understand where there may be possibilities to improve it," Wallace Hood said.

In the exam room, the findings reinforce AD as a common chronic condition with impacts beyond the skin. They can prompt conversations about whether a patient's current care is working or whether additional care is needed.

Beyond the exam room, state-level findings give health systems, public health professionals, payers, and policymakers more concrete information to examine workforce, access, and coverage. Wallace Hood said NEA's next step is putting the data to work through education and healthcare professional engagement, which she leads. NEA is also developing more practical resources for providers who see eczema outside of dermatology.

Using State Briefs to Drive Local Action

NEA created state briefs for every state plus Washington, DC. Wallace Hood encouraged clinicians to look at their own state and use local data to consider where opportunities exist in their community. She suggested asking whether patients are getting timely, appropriate care and where education, awareness, or resources could make a difference.

Reference

1. Hansen D, Bazell C, Pelizzari P, McPherson R. The State of Atopic Dermatitis in the United States. National Eczema Association. 2026. Accessed October 5, 2026.