The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) shared data demonstrating the high rate of prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in the US adult population and a greater impact on health-related quality of life and mental health symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, for patients with moderate to severe disease compared to those with mild disease. These results are from the Atopic Dermatitis in America Study, an independent research project of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America in partnership with the National Eczema Association (NEA) and sponsored by Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron.
Results of the study, presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, found:
• Using UK Working Group Criteria (UKWGC) for AD, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in US Adults was 7.3 percent, which is in line with those of a prior study reporting a similar prevalence of AD.
• When compared to those with mild disease, persons with moderate to severe disease reported significantly poorer health related quality of life such as itching and sleep loss as well as mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
Dr. Zelma C. Chiesa Fuxench, MD MSCE, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, and one of the lead authors of this study said: “The data from the AD in America study strengthens the evidence of the high prevalence of atopic dermatitis and paints a picture the devastating effects of the disease on quality of life.”