Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, and remitting inflammatory skin disease characterized by erythema, edema, xerosis, erosions/excoriations, oozing and crusting, and lichenification, with pruritus as the hallmark of the condition. This condition is very common and affects between 10% and 20% of children in developing countries.
Although once thought of as only a pediatric condition, data now shows that up to 10.2% patients have symptoms that persist into adulthood. A 3.2% prevalence of eczema, asthma, and hay fever was identified, suggesting AD is not uncommon in adult patients. Patient-reported rates of adult AD between 2.1% and 4.9%, most commonly of mild-to-moderate severity. A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that there is no significant difference in AD prevalence before and after childhood.