Epidemiology of adult atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is driven by a complex gene–environment interaction. Many of the risk factors and genetic underpinning previously observed for pediatric AD may not apply to adult atopic dermatitis, suggesting that these may largely be different disorders. Whereas AD is classically thought of as a pediatric disease, recent studies have shown high rates of disease in adults as well. Risk factors for persistence of childhood-onset AD, as well as adult-onset AD, are reviewed. Adults with AD are particularly vulnerable to exogenous insults from the outside environment, including climate, ultraviolet exposure, pollution, irritants and pruritogens, and microbes. Finally, adult AD is associated with a substantial health care burden, with increased utilization, direct and indirect costs of care, and lost work productivity.