Prevalence and characteristics of atopic dermatitis among young adult females and males—report from the Swedish population‐based study BAMSE

Abstract

Background There is limited knowledge regarding prevalence and characteristics of atopic dermatitis (AD) among young adults in the general population. Objectives To study AD among young adults in a Swedish population‐based birth cohort, with a particular focus on prevalence, sex differences including risk for AD at different ages, disease course and characteristics of AD at 24 years. Methods The BAMSE cohort includes 4089 individuals who have been followed regularly from birth to age 24 years regarding AD and atopic diseases. For this study 3055 individuals who answered questions regarding AD at the 24‐year follow‐up were included. All were invited to a clinical examination including skin examination, evaluation by William's criteria and collection of blood for analysis of specific IgE, and 2264 individuals chose to participate. Results At 24 years, the 12‐month prevalence of AD was 17.8% and more females than males had AD (20.5% vs. 14.8%), P < 0.0001. The point prevalence of ongoing AD at clinical examination was 8.0%. AD severity as assessed by Patient‐Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) did not differ between sexes. The proportion of adult onset of AD was 16.9% (92 of 543), females 17.3% vs. males 16.4%. More females than males with AD at 24 years reported disturbed sleep due to itch (26.1% vs. 15.5%, P < 0.003). IgE sensitization was less common among females with AD than males with AD (61.3% vs. 79.6%, P < 0.0001). In addition, male sex (female sex being the reference) was associated with increased odds for AD the first year of life (OR: 1.31, 95% CI; 1.10–1.56), and decreased odds of AD in adolescence and young adulthood (OR: 0.66, 95% CI; 0.55–0.80). Conclusions Atopic dermatitis is a common disease among young adults, and even though more females than males have AD at 24 years, adult onset of AD seems to be equally prevalent among both sexes in young adulthood.

Atopic dermatitis in a population‐based cohort from Stockholm, Sweden 24 years after start: new data, new questions

“…2 One reason for the difference in reporting might be the missing detection of mild or minimal current AD cases in a general practice setting.In regard to adult-onset AD, Johansson et al identified 16.9% AD patients who presented with AD for the first time at the 24-year follow-up. 2 This figure matches well with data from a meta-analysis published in 2019. 4 In summary, Johansson et al 2 have to be congratulated for adding further data on AD at 24 years of age in regard to different aspects, including 12-month prevalence, point-prevalence, severity assessment (POEM), adult-onset, sleep affection, IgE sensitization and sex distribution.…”

“…In regard to adult‐onset AD, Johansson et al . identified 16.9% AD patients who presented with AD for the first time at the 24‐year follow‐up 2 . This figure matches well with data from a meta‐analysis published in 2019 4 …”

“…3 In contrast, Johansson et al found a 17.8% 12month prevalence at age 24 (lifetime prevalence not mentioned). 2 Furthermore, in the Australian study, the prevalence of current AD in the age group 20 to 24 years was 5.6%, 3 compared to a point-prevalence of 8.0% in the BAMSE study. 2 One reason for the difference in reporting might be the missing detection of mild or minimal current AD cases in a general practice setting.In regard to adult-onset AD, Johansson et al identified 16.9% AD patients who presented with AD for the first time at the 24-year follow-up.…”

“…Furthermore, in the Australian study, the prevalence of current AD in the age group 20 to 24 years was 5.6%, 3 compared to a point‐prevalence of 8.0% in the BAMSE study 2 . One reason for the difference in reporting might be the missing detection of mild or minimal current AD cases in a general practice setting.…”

A brave new world with emerging treatment options for atopic eczema

“…Although it is still considered primarily a paediatric problem, more and more studies are indicating a high prevalence rate in adults as well. In fact, as shown by a recent study on atopic dermatitis prevalence in a birth cohort at the age of 24, 1 researchers found a 12‐month prevalence of 17.8% in the Swedish BAMSE cohort and, within this group, 16.9% reported experiencing atopic eczema for the first time from the age of 23 onwards.…”