New Studies Indicate Elevated Skin Cancer Risk in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis — Dermatologists Urge Vigilance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HEADLINE

New Studies Indicate Elevated Skin Cancer Risk in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis — Dermatologists Urge Vigilance

SUMMARY

Recent large-scale analyses suggest that patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) face a modest but significant increase in risk for non-melanoma skin cancer compared with individuals without AD. New York Mohs surgeon and dermatologist Dr. Dennis Porto calls for more proactive skin cancer surveillance among eczema patients.

BACKGROUND: ATOPIC DERMATITIS AND SKIN CANCER — EMERGING LINKS

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) affects millions worldwide, characterized by chronic skin inflammation, barrier disruption, recurrent flares, and immune dysregulation. For years, AD was considered primarily a benign but burdensome chronic skin disease.

However, recent evidence points to a potential link between AD and an increased risk of skin cancer — particularly non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A 2022 pooled analysis of 16 studies involving nearly 9.6 million individuals found that AD was significantly associated with increased risk of skin cancer, specifically BCC and SCC. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

More recently, a 2025 US-based cohort study compared over 390,000 patients with AD to matched controls and found a 32% higher incidence of NMSC (adjusted hazard ratio 1.32) among AD patients. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

NEW INSIGHT: WHAT THE DATA SHOWS

- The 2025 retrospective study observed NMSC incidence rates of 2.12 per 100 person-years among AD patients, versus 1.74 per 100 person-years in matched controls. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

- The elevated risk held across both moderate-to-severe AD and general AD cohorts, suggesting the association is not limited to the most severe cases. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

- The risk appeared similar to that seen in other chronic inflammatory or immune-mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, underscoring a potentially broader link between chronic inflammation/immune dysregulation and skin cancer. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

While prior studies offered conflicting findings — and some analyses found no increased melanoma risk or mixed results overall — the weight of recent large-scale data supports a cautious re-evaluation of skin-cancer surveillance practices in patients with AD. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

EXPERT COMMENTARY

“As a board-certified Mohs micrographic surgeon, I treat skin cancer every day. Something I’ve long been suspicious of is whether atopic dermatitis was a risk factor for these common types of skin cancer. Now that this is becoming clearer in the medical literature, it behoves dermatologists to redouble our efforts to treat atopic dermatitis as it may save patients from additional surgeries later in life when skin cancer becomes more common,” said Dr. Dennis Porto, MD, MPH, FAAD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology, Mount Sinai, New York City.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In light of these findings, dermatologists should consider incorporating regular skin-cancer screening and education into management plans for patients with atopic dermatitis — even those with mild or controlled disease.

For patients, consistent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, avoidance of excessive ultraviolet exposure, and prompt evaluation of suspicious or non-healing skin lesions are prudent preventive measures.

While further research is needed to disentangle the roles of chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, treatment exposures, and other confounders, the evidence supports a more cautious, preventive stance.

ABOUT DR. DENNIS PORTO

Dr. Dennis Porto, MD, MPH, FAAD, is a double board-certified Mohs micrographic surgeon and dermatologist practicing in New York City. He completed medical school at the University of Iowa, followed by a dermatology research fellowship at Harvard and advanced surgical training. Dr. Porto serves as a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai and has published broadly in dermatologic surgery, inflammatory skin disease, and cosmetic dermatology. His practice integrates medical, surgical, and preventive dermatology, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based care and long-term skin health.