Access Inequity in Atopic Dermatitis Care: Are Your Patients Getting Left Behind?
Gentle skin care is a foundation of atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment, but what happens when patients can’t afford, or even find, the products you recommend?
This JDD article’s study shows that National Eczema Association (NEA)-recommended moisturizers and body cleansers are significantly more expensive than commonly purchased alternatives. On average, recommended lotions cost more than twice as much per ounce, and cleansers nearly four times as much. For patients living in low-income neighborhoods, price is just one hurdle. The study also found that these areas have far fewer retail pharmacies per capita, shorter store hours, and significantly less stock of dermatologist-recommended products.
In both Chicago and New York, pharmacy deserts were a clear reality. Low-income zip codes had fewer store locations and shorter hours, making it harder for patients to access gentle skin care—even when prescribed. With fewer options on the shelves and higher prices at the register, disparities in AD care are being reinforced by geography and income.
So what can dermatologists do? It starts with awareness. Understanding the economic and logistical barriers your patients may face can inform more accessible recommendations. This study is a wake-up call to consider not just what we prescribe, but whether patients can realistically obtain it.
Find out how these hidden access gaps may be affecting your patients—and what changes you can make to bridge them. What to view atopic dermatitis on a spectrum of skin tones, check out the Online Gallery.
