EXTON, PA, Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More than 31 million Americans are living with eczema/ atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin condition that extends far beyond visible symptoms to disrupt sleep, mental health, and daily functioning, according to new research from Spherix Global Insights. Findings from Patient Voice Dynamix™: Atopic Dermatitis US 2025, based on responses from 304 U.S. patients, reveal a substantial and often underrecognized disease burden that persists despite an increasingly crowded treatment landscape. These patient-driven insights underpin Spherix's advisory services, supporting strategy across messaging, differentiation, access, and engagement.
Across the patient journey, itch emerges as the most severe and pervasive driver of disease burden. Nearly half of patients report that AD has a large or extremely large impact on overall quality of life. Validated instruments, including the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases (PRIDD), highlight disproportionately greater burden among patients of color and those with more severe disease, with meaningful effects on emotional well-being, life responsibilities, and physical functioning. Notably, patient-perceived severity frequently does not align with traditional clinical assessments, reinforcing the need for a more holistic, patient-centered approach to evaluating disease impact.
Sleep disruption represents one of the most significant and underappreciated consequences of AD. While findings from Spherix’s Patient Chart Dynamix™: Atopic Dermatitis US 2025 suggest that physicians estimate moderate-to-severe sleep impairment in roughly one in five AD patients, patient-reported data tell a markedly different story. More than half of patients report moderate sleep disturbance, and one in five experience severe nighttime disruption, underscoring a clear disconnect between clinical perception and patient experience.
Beyond physical symptoms, AD imposes a substantial psychological toll. Validated patient-reported outcome measures reveal high rates of anxiety and depression, including among patients who do not self-identify as anxious or depressed, suggesting that the emotional burden of AD may be broader and deeper than commonly recognized in routine care. In describing the emotional toll of AD, one patient said, “I felt really lonely and cut out, cut off from the world because I couldn’t go out, I couldn’t work properly.”
AD also significantly interferes with daily activities and productivity. Physician estimates from Patient Chart Dynamix™: Atopic Dermatitis US 2025, indicate activity impairment in roughly one-quarter of patients with moderate disease and fewer than half of those with severe disease. In contrast, patient-reported data point to substantially greater disruption, with more than 40% of patients reporting moderate and nearly 60% reporting severe activity impairment. Patients often seek medical care as escalating symptoms, particularly itch, dryness, pain, and involvement of high-impact body areas, begin to interfere with emotional well-being and daily functioning.
While topical therapies remain foundational in AD management, two-thirds of topical users continue to have moderate disease and report limited, short-lived relief. Persistent challenges with flare control, body coverage, and frequent application are driving demand for more effective and convenient options, most notably a once-daily oral pill. Experiences with systemic therapies vary; however, patients treated with Regeneron/Sanofi’s Dupixent (dupilumab) report strong symptom relief, preserved quality of life, and broad access and coverage, underscoring the impact of effective, well-tolerated advanced therapies.
Overall, findings from Patient Voice Dynamix™: Atopic Dermatitis US 2025 highlight persistent unmet needs across the AD patient journey. Patients are seeking therapies that not only improve skin symptoms but also restore sleep, emotional well-being, social functioning, and productivity, outcomes that matter most in daily life.
About Patient Voice Dynamix™
Patient Voice Dynamix™ is an independent, data-driven service designed to capture patients' lived experiences as they navigate diagnosis, treatment, and long-term disease management. By integrating quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and validated patient-reported outcome measures, the service provides a comprehensive view of the burden of illness and unmet need from the patient perspective.
About Patient Chart Dynamix™
Patient Chart Dynamix™ is an independent, data-driven service unveiling real patient management patterns through rigorous analysis of large-scale patient chart audits. Insights reveal the “why” behind treatment decisions, include year over year trending to quantify key aspects of market evolution, and integrate specialists’ attitudinal & demographic data to highlight differences between stated and actual treatment patterns.
About Spherix Global Insights
Spherix is a leading independent market intelligence and advisory firm that delivers commercial value to the global life sciences industry across the brand lifecycle.
The seasoned team of Spherix experts provides an unbiased and holistic view of the landscape within rapidly evolving specialty markets, including dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, nephrology, neurology, ophthalmology, and hematology. Spherix clients stay ahead of the curve with the perspective of the extensive Spherix Physician Community.
As a trusted advisor and industry thought leader, Spherix’s unparalleled market insights and advisory services empower clients to make better decisions and unlock opportunities for growth.
To learn more about Spherix Global Insights, visit spherixglobalinsights.com or connect through LinkedIn.
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NOTICE: All company, brand, or product names in this press release are trademarks of their respective holders. The findings and opinions expressed within are based on Spherix Global Insight’s analysis and do not imply a relationship with or endorsement of the companies or brands mentioned in this press release.
Andy Stankus, Dermatology Franchise Head Spherix Global Insights 4848794284 andy.stankus@spherixglobalinsights.com Colleen Carpinella, Dermatology Insights Director Spherix Global Insights colleen.carpinella@spherixglobalinsights.com
