Eczema and Universal Health Coverage: Why Equal Access to Care Matters More Than Ever

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is one of the most common chronic skin conditions in the world—yet access to treatment remains far from equal. Millions of people worldwide suffer from severe itching, inflammation, sleep disruption, and psychological distress due to untreated or under-treated eczema. But what if care wasn’t limited by cost, location, or insurance status?

In 2025, universal health coverage (UHC) has become a central focus of global health equity. And when it comes to chronic skin diseases like eczema, UHC could be the key to closing treatment gaps, reducing health disparities, and ensuring every patient has access to quality, continuous care.

This article explores the critical relationship between universal health coverage and eczema—and what needs to change to make skin health a basic human right, not a privilege.

What Is Universal Health Coverage?

Universal health coverage means that everyone, everywhere can access essential health services—from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation—without suffering financial hardship.

It’s a key target of the World Health Organization’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.8) and includes:

• Equitable access to doctors, diagnostics, and medications
• Affordability, regardless of income or insurance status
• Continuity of care for chronic and recurring conditions like eczema

Yet, nearly half the global population lacks full coverage, and even in wealthy nations, gaps persist—especially in dermatology.

Eczema Is More Than a Rash—It’s a Public Health Issue

Eczema affects approximately 230 million people worldwide and is especially common in children, though many continue to suffer well into adulthood. While it may appear to be a minor skin issue, untreated eczema can lead to:

• Severe skin infections
• Disrupted sleep and learning in children
• Workplace absenteeism
• Anxiety and depression

According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, eczema ranks among the top 10 non-fatal diseases impacting quality of life, particularly due to its psychosocial toll and chronic nature.

And yet—eczema is often underdiagnosed, undertreated, or simply not prioritized within public health systems.

The Access Gap: What Happens Without Universal Coverage?

In countries without universal healthcare—or for individuals without insurance—eczema patients face steep barriers:

• Costly dermatologist visits often uncovered by insurance
• Expensive biologics and steroid-sparing drugs inaccessible without subsidies
• Lack of education or guidance on long-term skin care routines
• Limited access to phototherapy or patch testing

For example, dupilumab (Dupixent)—a breakthrough biologic treatment for moderate-to-severe eczema—can cost over $3,000/month without coverage. That’s out of reach for most people.

Even basic necessities like hypoallergenic moisturizers, prescription topicals, or teledermatology access can be financially burdensome.

UHC and Eczema: What Equity Looks Like in Practice

When eczema is covered by a robust health system, outcomes improve dramatically. Countries with UHC frameworks such as Sweden, Japan, and the UK often see:

• Earlier diagnosis, especially in children
• Reduced emergency room visits for eczema complications
• Higher adherence to long-term treatment
• Better mental health support for chronic condition sufferers

A 2022 cross-national study published in Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas found that access to subsidized dermatological care directly correlated with reduced eczema severity and flare frequency across multiple OECD countries.

Moreover, universal coverage enables preventive care—helping patients manage triggers, build effective routines, and avoid expensive complications down the line.

The Role of Policy: Where We Are, and Where We Need to Go

As of 2025, several countries have made notable strides:

• Canada includes dermatology in provincial health plans, though access still varies by region.
• The UK’s NHS offers full access to dermatological care, but wait times for specialist care are growing.
• Rwanda and Thailand have implemented low-cost insurance schemes that prioritize chronic disease care—including skin health—in rural populations.

But gaps remain. In the U.S., for example, many Medicaid plans do not fully cover dermatology or biologics, leaving vulnerable patients with few options. And in low-income countries, dermatology is often concentrated in cities, with rural patients facing hours of travel or no access at all.

Universal Health Coverage Needs to Include Skin Health

Despite its high prevalence, eczema and other chronic dermatologic conditions are often excluded from national health priorities. This is a mistake. Skin diseases:

• Are among the top causes of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally
• Have high comorbidity rates with asthma, allergies, and mental illness
• Can signal broader immune dysfunction and environmental health issues

In other words, eczema isn’t just about comfort—it’s about systemic health. Ensuring access to care can improve school attendance, workforce productivity, and healthcare efficiency.

Skin is the largest organ in the body—and it’s time we treated it as such.

What Can You Do?

Whether you’re an eczema patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider, here are ways to advocate for change:

• Support organizations pushing for UHC, such as the WHO, GlobalSkin, and local advocacy groups
• Raise awareness about the burdens of untreated eczema in your community
• Push insurers and policymakers to recognize eczema as a serious, chronic condition deserving of coverage
• Choose brands and providers that support inclusive health access and affordable care models

Q&A: Eczema and Access to Care

Q1: Does universal health coverage mean everything is free?
Not necessarily. UHC means that essential care is affordable and accessible, often through a combination of public insurance, subsidies, and regulated pricing.

Q2: Why isn’t eczema always treated seriously by health systems?
Because it’s non-fatal and often invisible, eczema can be dismissed as cosmetic. Advocacy and education are crucial to reframing it as a serious immune and inflammatory condition.

Q3: Can telemedicine help with access issues?
Absolutely. Teledermatology expands reach into rural and underserved areas, offering faster diagnosis, continuity of care, and less strain on physical clinics.

Final Thoughts

At its core, universal health coverage and eczema care are about one thing: dignity. Everyone deserves relief from pain, sleep loss, and the psychological weight of chronic illness—no matter where they live or how much they earn.

Improving access to eczema treatment is a public health priority, and one that pays dividends in productivity, equity, and well-being. As we move toward a more inclusive and sustainable future, let’s make sure skin health isn’t left behind.

For daily support between doctor visits, NellaDerm’s dermatologist-designed skincare offers barrier-restoring, eczema-friendly products that are accessible, evidence-based, and designed with sensitive skin in mind.