Global, regional, and national burdens of atopic dermatitis from 1990 to 2021: A trend analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

Abstract

Globally, atopic dermatitis (AD) is highly prevalent; however, there is a paucity of research focusing on its burden and trends. To understand the current epidemic situation of AD and to suggest measures that may help reduce its global burden. Global trends of AD, including prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life-years, were analyzed using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study database 2021. In 2021, the global prevalence of AD reached 129 million cases, reflecting a 20% increase since 1990. However, the age-standardized prevalence rate decreased slightly during the same period, measuring 1728.5 per 100,000 individuals in 2021. The highest burden of AD was observed in high-income regions, with a notable prevalence among females and children under 5 years of age. However, the burden decreased across all sociodemographic index regions, with the most significant decline in high sociodemographic index countries. Regionally, South Asia reported the highest prevalence, while globally, India, China, and the United States exhibited the highest number of cases. Variations in data sources and quality, and the absence of data regarding severity and environmental factors. The global burden of AD prevalence was highest in high-income countries and among females and young children.