Prevalence and Clinical Features of Atopic Dermatitis in China

Abstract

Background. The epidemiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) in Chinese outpatients is yet to be clarified. Objectives. To investigate population-based prevalence and clinical features of AD in Chinese outpatients. Methods. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatients with eczema or dermatitis from 39 tertiary hospitals in 15 provinces. Results. This study included 682 patients diagnosed with AD, with the mean age of 28.8 ± 20.1 years and the median course of 5.3 ± 6.9 years. AD patients had more severe itching (30.4% versus 13.8%, p < 0.001) and clinically suspected bacterial infection (21.7% versus 16.1%, p < 0.001) than those of other types of dermatitis. Older patients were more susceptible to have a history of flexion dermatitis (p < 0.001), bacterial infection (p = 0.005), and severe itching (p < 0.001). Outpatients with clinically suspected bacterial infection had 3.53-fold increased risk of AD than those without it (p < 0.001). The morbidity rate of AD in the (20–25°N) region is 2.86 times higher than that in the (40–45°N) region [OR (95% CI): 0.352 (0.241–0.514), p < 0.001]. Conclusions. AD is characterized by unique clinical/demographic features. Bacterial infection and latitude region may have an impact on the incidence of AD in China.

Climate change and atopic dermatitis: is there a link?

“…In American states, higher AD prevalence was found with low humidity, low UV exposure, and low outdoor temperature or the use of indoor heating . Similar observations have been reported in Japan, China, India, USA, Finland, and Australia …”

Burden of atopic dermatitis in Asia

“…There is almost unanimous agreement that this increasing prevalence can be largely attributed to environmental and socioeconomic factors, including rapid urbanization, increased family income, improved parental education, adoption of a more Westernized lifestyle, increased exposure to allergens, frequent bathing and use of soap, change of diet and clothing choice . In addition, increases in some areas may be partially attributable to improved accuracy of diagnosis . Much of the available information on epidemiology in Asia is limited by the age of the data and may underestimate current rates of AD.…”

“…34 An observation common to the majority of epidemiological analyses conducted in Asian countries is that prevalence of AD is increasing significantly. 10,13,[24][25][26]35 There is almost unanimous agreement that this increasing prevalence can be largely attributed to environmental and socioeconomic factors, including rapid urbanization, increased family income, improved parental education, adoption of a more Westernized lifestyle, increased exposure to allergens, frequent bathing and use of soap, change of diet and clothing choice. 10,15,35 In addition, increases in some areas may be partially attributable to improved accuracy of diagnosis.…”

“…10,15,35 In addition, increases in some areas may be partially attributable to improved accuracy of diagnosis. 35 Much of the available information on epidemiology in Asia is limited by the age of the data and may underestimate current rates of AD.…”

A Multicenter, Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study of Compound Glycyrrhizin Capsules Combined with a Topical Corticosteroid in Adults with Chronic Eczema

“…Eczema, known as "atopic dermatitis (AD)" and "atopic eczema" in most developed countries, is a common chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease [1]. In 2016, the incidence of eczema in Chinese adults was estimated to be 7.8% [2]. Eczema is highly associated with chronic pruritus, which can lead to sleeping problems, attention difficulties, social withdrawal, and a lower psychological wellbeing [3].…”