Research Appraisalother

Current updates in the epidemiology and comorbidities of atopic dermatitis

Ann Allergy Asthma ImmunolNarla, Shanthi, Silverberg, Jonathan I1 Nov 2025DOI

Clinical Snapshot

65CEBM
Evidence: Moderateother

PICO Framework

P — PopulationIndividuals with atopic dermatitis across all age groups and populations globally
I — InterventionNot applicable - epidemiological review
C — ComparatorNot applicable - epidemiological review
O — OutcomesPrevalence, incidence, risk factors, disease severity, age of onset, and comorbidities (asthma, allergic rhinitis)

Bottom Line

This narrative review provides a contemporary overview of atopic dermatitis epidemiology, highlighting the growing global burden and complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. While the review addresses an important clinical topic and covers key epidemiological parameters including prevalence, risk factors, and comorbidities like asthma and allergic rhinitis, the abstract suggests this is a narrative rather than systematic review. The lack of detailed methodology, quality assessment, and quantitative synthesis limits the strength of evidence. However, the global perspective and focus on identifying high-risk groups makes this relevant for Australian clinicians managing AD patients. The review's emphasis on the need for more robust epidemiological studies suggests current evidence gaps that may limit definitive clinical recommendations. Clinicians should interpret findings cautiously given the apparent narrative methodology.

Evidence: Moderate

Key Findings

  • P Value: Not applicable for epidemiological review

  • Effect Size: Not specified in abstract

  • Primary Outcome: Growing global burden of atopic dermatitis with variations across populations

  • Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not applicable - epidemiological data review

  • Confidence Interval: Not provided

Clinical Application

High - epidemiological data can inform clinical practice and resource allocation Highly relevant for Australian dermatologists and allergists, can inform PBS considerations for AD treatments and guide RACGP management approaches for this common condition All patients with atopic dermatitis across age groups, particularly relevant for identifying high-risk populations

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder that affects individuals across the lifespan, with significant implications for both public health and individual well-being. This paper provides an overview of the epidemiology of AD, focusing on its prevalence, incidence, and risk factors across different populations and regions. We evaluate the growing global burden of AD, highlighting trends in both high-income and low- to middle-income countries, and the impact of socioeconomic, environmental, and genetic factors on disease manifestation. The review also explores the variations in disease severity, age of onset, and comorbidities such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. This paper emphasizes the need for more robust epidemiologic studies to further elucidate the complex interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental exposures in the development and progression of AD and explores the potential role of technology (eg, artificial intelligence) in helping to collect robust epidemiologic data. Understanding the epidemiology of AD is crucial for identifying high-risk groups, informing preventive strategies, and optimizing management approaches.

References

  1. 1.Narla, S., & Silverberg, J. I. (2025). Current updates in the epidemiology and comorbidities of atopic dermatitis. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2025.05.003
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