Medical studies have revealed a relationship between geographic location and the incidence and severity of eczema cases:

• Higher latitudes and lower average temperatures increase the incidence of eczema in the population. This may be related to lower humidity rates.
   
• Higher indoor humidity appears to reduce eczema incidence (possibly because skin dries out quickly in low humidity). Areas of Canada in which it is easier to maintain higher indoor humidity record a lower incidence of eczema.