Epidemiological features of childhood atopic dermatitis in suwon

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease and its prevalence has recently increased. Epidemiological research for associated factors of AD has recently been reported. However, a large population study on the factors affecting the disease development and progression in childhood AD has not yet been carried out in Suwon. Objective: We investigated the prevalence of AD in elementary school tudents and the associated factors of the disease development and progression in Suwon. Methods: This study was carried out among 1 330 elementary school students from April to July, 2009. First, a questionnaire study (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, ISSAC) which covered clinical manifestations, environment, and life style was performed. Then, two dermatologists examined the skin of students with symptoms suspicious of AD and evaluated the severity using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score. Results: The prevalence of AD among the elementary school students in Suwon as evaluated by questionnaire was 22.9%. However, the prevalence confirmed by two dermatologists was 6.7%. The average EASI score measured by the two dermatologists was 3.52±3.05. The most common age of onset was under 2 years, followed by 2-4 years. The two major risk factors of AD showing statistical significance were parental past history of atopic disease and moving to a new residence within a year after birth. Conclusion: These results suggest that certain genetic and environmental factors may affect the prevalence of childhood AD in Suwon.