Epidemiology of atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Epidemiological studies on atopic dermatitis, primarily performed in children, have shown that the one-year prevalence rate of symptoms is population and area dependent. The few studies that have been done in South Africa among children of different age groups showed one-year prevalence rates of 1 - 13.3%. In adults, the burden of disease is significant. The prevalence rates and age-related percentages of those affected vary between the countries where studies were undertaken. While about 60% of cases show spontaneous clearing by puberty, the condition may recur in adults.