Skin conditions are among the most frequent reasons for people to seek medical advice from their GP in the United Kingdom. Among these, eczema and psoriasis stand out as two of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory conditions, affecting millions of individuals across all age groups and backgrounds. While they are often discussed together due to their visible impact on the skin, their prevalence rates and the demographics they most commonly affect differ significantly. Understanding how widespread these conditions are helps to highlight the importance of effective management and the scale of the healthcare resources dedicated to supporting those who live with them.
What We’ll Discuss in This Article
- The prevalence of atopic eczema among children in the UK.
- How many adults in the UK currently live with eczema.
- The percentage of the UK population affected by psoriasis.
- Common ages of onset for both skin conditions.
- Geographical and demographic variations in skin disease rates.
- The impact of these conditions on the UK healthcare system.
How common is eczema in the UK?
Eczema, particularly atopic eczema, is the most common inflammatory skin condition in the UK. According to the NHS, it affects approximately one in five children and around one in ten adults. The condition is most frequently diagnosed in early childhood, with the majority of cases appearing before a child reaches their first birthday. While many children find that their symptoms improve or disappear entirely as they grow older, a significant number of people continue to experience flare-ups throughout their teenage years and into adulthood.
How common is psoriasis in the UK?
Psoriasis is less common than eczema but still affects a substantial portion of the population. It is estimated that around 2 percent of people in the UK live with psoriasis, which equates to approximately 1.3 million individuals. Unlike eczema, which often begins in infancy, psoriasis typically develops for the first time in young adults. The condition is known to have a bimodal age of onset, meaning there are two peak periods when it most commonly appears: between the ages of 15 and 20, and again between the ages of 55 and 60.
Who is most likely to be affected by these conditions?
The likelihood of developing these skin conditions can be influenced by genetics, environment, and age. Atopic eczema is closely linked to other atopic conditions such as asthma and hay fever, and it often runs in families. Psoriasis also has a strong genetic component, with around one third of people with the condition having a close relative who is also affected. While both conditions can affect anyone, studies have shown that eczema prevalence may be slightly higher in urban areas compared to rural settings, potentially due to environmental factors like air quality and water hardness.
| Statistic | Atopic Eczema | Psoriasis |
| UK Population Affected | Approx. 10% of adults | Approx. 2% of population |
| Childhood Prevalence | 20% (1 in 5 children) | Rare (approx. 0.7%) |
| Common Start Age | Under 1 year old | 15 to 35 years old |
| Gender Distribution | Affects males and females | Affects males and females equally |
Does the prevalence change with age?
Yes, the prevalence of these conditions shifts as people move through different life stages. For eczema, the highest incidence is found in infants under the age of one. There is often a second, smaller peak in prevalence among people aged 70 and older. Psoriasis, however, is relatively rare in children and becomes more common as people reach their late teens and early twenties. Once psoriasis develops, it is typically a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management, whereas eczema can be more episodic for some patients.
How do these conditions impact the healthcare system?
Because these conditions are so widespread, they account for a large volume of primary care consultations in the UK. Skin diseases are one of the leading causes of visits to a GP, and managing chronic inflammation requires consistent access to prescriptions and specialist advice. Data from NICE indicates that atopic eczema is a major contributor to the global burden of skin disease, often requiring a stepwise approach to treatment that starts in primary care and may escalate to hospital dermatology departments for more severe or persistent cases.
Conclusion
Eczema and psoriasis are highly prevalent conditions that affect a significant portion of the UK population. Eczema is particularly common in children, affecting one in five, while psoriasis remains a significant concern for approximately 2 percent of the general population. Both conditions require a dedicated management plan to control symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected.
If you experience a sudden, widespread, and painful rash accompanied by a high fever or feeling generally unwell, call 999 immediately.
Is the number of people with eczema increasing?
Some studies suggest that the prevalence of atopic conditions, including eczema, has risen over the last few decades, possibly due to environmental changes.
Can you develop psoriasis as a baby?
While it is possible, psoriasis is much less common in infants compared to eczema, which is very frequent in that age group.
Are these statistics the same for men and women?
Psoriasis affects men and women almost equally, while eczema may show slight variations in prevalence between genders depending on the specific age group.
Is eczema more common in certain parts of the UK?
Research has indicated that eczema prevalence and GP visit rates are often higher in urban areas and in the North West of England.
Do most children grow out of their eczema?
Many children see a significant improvement in their skin by the time they reach their teenage years, though the skin may remain sensitive for life.
How many people in the UK have severe psoriasis?
While 2 percent of the population has psoriasis, only a small fraction of these individuals will have the severe form that requires hospital treatment.
Can you have eczema and psoriasis at the same time?
Yes, it is possible to have both, though they are distinct conditions and usually require different management strategies.
Authority Snapshot (E-E-A-T Block)
This article provides an overview of the prevalence of eczema and psoriasis within the UK population to help patients understand the scope of these conditions. It has been prepared by the MyPatientAdvice Medical Writing/Research Team and reviewed by Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, a UK-trained physician with experience in internal medicine and emergency care. The data presented is strictly aligned with the latest figures and clinical guidance provided by the NHS and NICE.
