New insights into the epidemiology of childhood atopic dermatitis

C. Flohr*, J. Mann

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature reviewpeer-review

    379 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    There is a growing desire to explain the worldwide rise in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD). Trend data on the burden of AD suggest that the picture in the developing world may soon resemble that of wealthier nations, where AD affects over 20% of children. This, combined with significant variations in prevalence within countries, emphasizes the importance of environmental factors. Many hypotheses have been explored, from the modulation of immune priming by hygiene, gut microbiota diversity, and exposure to endotoxins through farm animals to the effects of pollution, climate, and diet. The discovery of the filaggrin skin barrier gene and its importance in AD development and severity has brought the focus on gene-environment interactions and the identification of environmental factors that impact on skin barrier function. This article reviews our current understanding of the epidemiology of AD, with an emphasis on the findings reported in the international literature over the last 5 years.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)3-16
    Number of pages14
    JournalAllergy
    Volume69
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jan 2014

    Keywords

    • atopic dermatitis
    • atopic eczema
    • eczema
    • epidemiology
    • OF-FUNCTION MUTATIONS
    • PRIMARY-SCHOOL CHILDREN
    • FARM MILK CONSUMPTION
    • NEW-ZEALAND CHILDREN
    • EARLY-LIFE EXPOSURE
    • DAY-CARE ATTENDANCE
    • KOALA BIRTH COHORT
    • 1ST 2 YEARS
    • ALLERGIC SENSITIZATION
    • HAY-FEVER

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