According to a 2015 report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 35 million Americans suffer from eczema. In fact, eczema is an is a type of topic dermatitis that causes skin to become red, inflamed, and itchy. While eczema often begins during childhood, it can occur at any age. Eczema is chronic in nature, meaning it tends to flare up with severe symptoms periodically. Research studies show a relationship between eczema and several environmental factors.

Eczema can be triggered by increased levels of allergens and outdoor air pollutants. Research indicates that symptoms may worsen when patients are exposed to environmental factors such as air pollution, smoke, chemical emissions, extreme weather, and pollen. The following American cities are considered poor addresses for eczema patients:

1. Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is ranked as the third worst city for people living with eczema. Environmental conditions are the key cause of the condition, namely traffic congestion and air pollution. Additionally, the number of emergency room visits have contributed to the ranking.

2. Cleveland, OH
People living with eczema would want to avoid Cleveland mainly because of the poor air quality. Car exhaust has contributed to the poor quality air environment.

3. Springfield, MA
Several research groups rank Springfield as the top city with the highest rate of eczema. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America report, Springfield reports higher asthma admissions and emergency room visits than any other city in the United States. Statistics indicate that 20% of asthmatic patients contribute to 80% of total hospital admissions in the city. Poor air quality is the main factor leading to the high levels of the condition. In addition, many asthma patients also suffer with eczema. Additionally, poverty prevalence is high in the city, thus making health insurance costs unattainable. High traffic is also attributed to the high levels of asthma infections in Springfield. As earlier indicated, car exhaust exacerbates the symptoms of both eczema and asthma.

4. Dayton, OH
Dayton, OH, is among cities that have high eczema patients. Factors leading to the high symptomatic rate include increased pollen counts, car exhaust, and poor air quality. Additionally, many residents in the city have no health insurance. Thus, access to medical professionals is a challenge. The level of air quality was rated poor because of unrestricted smoking laws in the city. Smoking is also a known trigger for eczema.

5. Greensboro, NC
Poor air quality makes Greensboro among the worst metropolitan cities for patients living with eczema. Reports indicate that high pollution and poverty are the root cause of the condition. Lack of quality health insurance has contributed to the high numbers in the city.
According to the American Association of Pediatrics, avoiding environmental triggers is ideal for managing the eczema. Cities with high commuter traffic are linked to greater hospital admissions of both eczema and asthmatic patients.