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The global prevalence of atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition, is projected to rise to 42.42 million cases by 2033, according to a recent report by GlobalData, a data and analytics company. The study highlights a modest annual growth rate (AGR) of 0.10%, with cases increasing from approximately 42.02 million in 2023.
The increase in atopic dermatitis cases will be particularly evident in seven major markets: the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Japan, the report noted. This rise is attributed to growing environmental and lifestyle risk factors, along with the increasing incidence of adult-onset atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is characterized by inflammation, redness, and intense itching. Yixuan Zhang, an epidemiologist at GlobalData, explained that the pathogenesis of the condition is complex, likely resulting from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental and lifestyle triggers, and immune dysfunction.
In 2023, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in these seven major markets showed that 44% of cases were mild, 42% were moderate, and 14% were severe. Severe cases, in particular, are linked to significant challenges such as sleep disturbances due to pruritic (itchy) rashes, mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and reduced productivity, all of which contribute to a broader economic and disease burden.
“The highest prevalence is seen in childhood, followed by middle-aged and older populations. Interestingly, a positive correlation has been identified between a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and the disease burden of atopic dermatitis,” Zhang said.
The report also highlighted emerging trends in the epidemiology of the disease, with a rising prevalence in low-income countries and increasing adult-onset cases, particularly in Western nations.
As the prevalence of atopic dermatitis continues to grow, addressing the condition’s global burden requires a deeper understanding of its triggers and the implementation of effective prevention and management strategies.
