DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Dermatologic Condition

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

MODERATE

A chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin condition characterized by intense itching, dry skin, and eczematous lesions. Part of the 'atopic triad' with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Affects up to 20% of children and 10% of adults. Often begins in infancy.

Global Affected

230.0M

Countries

111

Symptoms

Intense itching (pruritus)
Dry skin
Red, inflamed patches
Thickened skin (lichenification)
Small, raised bumps
Oozing or crusting
Skin discoloration
Sleep disturbance from itching
Skin infections
Sensitivity to irritants

Treatment Options

Emollients/moisturizers
Topical corticosteroids
Topical calcineurin inhibitors
Topical JAK inhibitors
Phototherapy
Biologics (dupilumab, tralokinumab)
Oral JAK inhibitors
Oral corticosteroids (short courses)
Antihistamines

Risk Factors

1Family history of atopy
2Filaggrin gene mutations
3Urban environment
4Climate (cold/dry)
5Hard water
6Food allergies (children)
7Stress
8Irritants (soaps, detergents)
9Allergens (dust mites, pollen)
10Microbiome alterations

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Clinical diagnosis based on criteria
  • 2Physical examination
  • 3Skin biopsy (rarely needed)
  • 4Allergy testing (sometimes)
  • 5Patch testing (rule out contact dermatitis)
  • 6IgE levels (atopic marker)

Prognosis

Often improves with age (60% clear by adolescence). Adults may have persistent or relapsing disease. Significant impact on quality of life, sleep, mental health. Risk of skin infections (S. aureus, HSV eczema herpeticum).

Prevention

  • Regular use of emollients
  • Gentle skin care
  • Avoiding triggers
  • Stress management
  • Identifying and avoiding allergens
  • Maintaining skin barrier
  • Short, lukewarm showers
  • Fragrance-free products

Research Status

Biologics revolutionizing moderate-severe disease: dupilumab (IL-4Rα), tralokinumab (IL-13), lebrikizumab (IL-13), nemolizumab (IL-31). JAK inhibitors (upadacitinib, abrocitinib, ruxolitinib topical). Filaggrin gene therapy research. Microbiome modulation.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanChinaIndiaBrazilRussiaSwedenNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaDenmarkNorwayFinlandPolandCzech RepublicHungaryRomaniaBulgariaCroatiaSloveniaSlovakiaLTLVEEIrelandPortugalGreeceCYMTLUIcelandNew ZealandSouth KoreaSingaporeTaiwanHong KongMalaysiaThailandVietnamIndonesiaPhilippinesSouth AfricaNigeriaEgyptTurkeyIranSaudi ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitOmanJordanLebanonSyriaYemenIraqAfghanistanPakistanBangladeshLKNPMMKHLAMNKazakhstanUzbekistanTMKGTJAzerbaijanAMGEUkraineBelarusMDALBAMEMKSerbiaXKMexicoArgentinaChileColombiaPeruVenezuelaEcuadorUYPYBOCRPAGuatemalaHNSVNIBZJMHaitiDominican RepublicCuba

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov/
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.