Managing Atopic Dermatitis in Older Adults: A Common, Unique Challenge.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) can occur in older adults, even those aged 90 years and older, contrary to previous beliefs that it only starts in childhood. The prevalence of AD in the United States is around 6-8% throughout adulthood, with one in four adults reporting adult-onset disease. Risk factors and immune differences exist between adult-onset and childhood-onset AD. Older adults with AD have a unique serum cytokine pattern and higher levels of certain cytokines compared to younger patients. Air pollution may also play a role in the onset of AD in older age. Sleep disturbance is a common issue in older adults with AD, and treatment can be complicated due to medication side effects, comorbidities, and other aspects of aging. Further research is needed to better understand and treat AD in older adults. [Extracted from the article]