incidence and natural history

Last edited 10/2020 and last reviewed 10/2020

Approximately 30% of the UK are atopic but the incidence of atopic dermatitis is about 3 - 10%

  • there is evidence that this may be increasing as a result of progressive urbanisation and increasing use of irritants and pollutants in the home. It is less common but more severe and persistent in certain ethnic groups such as the Chinese than than in caucasians.
  • eczema affects 5% to 20% of children and 2% to 5% of adults worldwide
  • eczema mainly affects infants and young children, but it can persist, relapse, or first develop in adulthood
    • about 50% of patients develop the condition within the first year of life
    • about 80% of cases develop before the age of five years
    • less than 2% develop after the age of 20 years
    • the Odense Adolescence Cohort Study (TOACS) showed that up to 50% of patients had persistent eczema in adulthood (3)

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