Prevalence and clinical features of adult atopic dermatitis in tertiary hospitals of China

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has increased substantially. Previous studies have focused mostly on pediatric patients, while epidemiological investigation on adult AD has been very limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical features of adult AD in outpatients with dermatitis and eczema in China mainland. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among outpatients with eczema or dermatitis from 39 tertiary hospitals of 15 provinces in China from July 1 to September 30, 2014. Of 8758 patients, 407 were adult AD. Compared with adults with other types of dermatitis, the mean age (41.8 ± 14.3 vs 42.04 ± 15.38 years, P 0.05). The highest (8.7%) and lowest prevalence (3.7%) of adult AD were in 25°N to 30°N and 35°N to 40°N latitude region. A substantial part of adult outpatients with eczema or dermatitis is adult AD. Middle age, more body location involvement, more suspected bacterial infection, and severe itching are the main clinical feathers of adult AD. Geographical environment and economic situation work in synergy to adult AD.