Atopic dermatitis in adults: a population‐based study in Finland

Abstract

Background The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has increased, but studies in adult or elderly populations are sparse.Methods We investigated 12-month and lifetime prevalences of AD in the Finnish adult population ≥30 years of age and analyzed living environment factors, socioeconomic factors, lifestyle-related factors, and serum vitamin D levels for their associations with AD in a national health examination survey. Results The lifetime prevalence was 21.9% and 12-month prevalence 10.1%. The highest prevalence (lifetime 28.6%, 12-month 15.4%) was seen in subjects 30-39 years of age.Prevalence decreased with age. Subjects with highly educated parents were more likely to have active AD, though there was no effect of higher education in subjects themselves.Younger age and being an ex-smoker were associated with active AD. Female sex and daily smoking increased the risk in subjects 30-49 years of age. There was no doseresponse relationship to serum vitamin D levels and no association with the living environment. Conclusions Our data show that the number of adult patients with atopic dermatitis has grown and prevalence numbers of AD in Finnish adults are among the highest reported.Together with the aging of the society, the burden of AD is not limited to childhood.

12-month prevalence of atopic dermatitis in resource-rich countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The steady prevalence across ages older than 5 years probably reflects a balance of different disease trajectories, i.e., persistent disease as well as the phenotypes of AD that have resolved or relapsed for that period and later-onset disease. The observed 12-month prevalence of 9.3% among adults is echoed in the latest study from Finland where the prevalence an AD of 10.1% in the adult population was detected 84 .…”

Factors associated with severity of atopic dermatitis – a Finnish cross‐sectional study

“…Five hundred and two patients of the hospital with dermatologist‐confirmed AD were randomly selected to participate. The study size was based on statistical power calculations (statistical power 80%, alfa 0.05; anticipated means and incidences were compared with our former Finnish population‐based study and data of the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare) 18 and recruitment and data collection were carried out during 2011–2015. In Finland, mild and moderate AD patients are mostly managed in primary care, and moderate‐to‐severe cases are sent to specialist care institutions 19 .…”

Clinical profiles and management of atopic dermatitis in adult patients

“…This is in accordance with the demographic data of research in Finland which states that the highest prevalence of AD in adults is at the age of 30-39 years (33.81%) followed by the age of 50-59 years (23.32%). Similar research in Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya in 2012-2014 also stated that the prevalence of the highest age group in adult AD cases was in the 25-44 year age group with a total of 81 patients (32%)(Eichenfield et al, 2014;Kliski et al, 2021;Herwanto & Hutomo et al, 2014;Effendi et al, 2020).Trigger Factors…”

“…Most factors in both studies got the same results where food, season and inhalation are the main factors of atopic dermatitis. In some literatures mention that factors that can affect the risk of AD in adult patients include heavy daily activities, work environment, stress, sex hormones, progression of atopic dermatitis from a young age and lifestyle that includes food (cow's milk, eggs, soy products, flour, nuts, fish, fast food, and sugary drinks), and smoking habits (Eichenfield et al, 2014;Kliski et al, 2021;Herwanto & Hutomo et al, 2014;Effendi et al, 2020).…”