Eczema is a type of atopic dermatitis that affects babies, children and adults, male or female. Studies show 1 in every four U.S. children, and nearly 7 million American adults are affected by eczema. This chronic skin condition causes the skin to become dry, red, rashy, flaky, or scaly in nature. It may appear on the scalp, face, arms, legs, and back. Certain climates can exacerbate eczema symptoms.

Here is a list of US cities known to have the worst environments for eczema patients:

1. Las Vegas, NV
There are dual factors that make Las Vegas top the list of poor cities to live in for eczema patients. Vegas is not only scorching and crowded all year round, but also pretty polluted. Surveys carried out by health officials show that the level of smoking in Las Vegas, Nevada affects both physical health and the environment. Eczema flares up when the immune system is affected, and cigarette smoke is a known trigger that leads to inflammation of the skin. That, coupled with the heat, makes life miserable for people affected by eczema. The National Eczema Association (NEA) has been conducting research in Vegas and many other cities to find ways to combat these triggers.

2. Richmond, VA
Extreme cold winters are just as bad as sweltering summers for people with eczema. Richmond, Virginia is pretty much guaranteed to have large snow falls every winter, and this causes skin to become dry. Cold conditions wreak havoc on eczema-prone skin. On top of that, Richmond, tops the list of worst places to live with allergies. Therefore, multiple triggers are a recipe for severe skin irritation.

3. Scranton, PA
Scranton is also known for playing home to a vast number of allergy triggers. This city remains in the top ten for worst places to live with allergies, including eczema. From winter to springtime, patients with eczema have to take extra precautions to manage itchiness. That’s in addition to fits of sneezing, runny eyes and nose due to allergies due to pollen.

4. Springfield, MA
There are 11 different kinds of eczema, all of which have been treated in patients across Springfield, MA. It’s no wonder that this city continues to make it on the top ten list of worst cities for allergies. Skin specialists are a dime a dozen here because the climate there is not conducive to eczema sufferers. In addition, Springfield residents experience harsh winters.

5. Hartford, CT
Trees are wonderful for fresh air and greenery, but they are also pollen creators, and Hartford has trees in abundance. Autumn in Hartford, will leave patients with eczema suffering right through until frost. Then, to top it off, Autumn is followed by frigid winters causing dry skin.