Prevalence of atopic eczema in the community: the Lothian atopic dermatitis study

An epidemiological study of atopic eczema (AE), based on a semirural community in Scotland, using sound diagnostic criteria, has yielded prevalence data for all age groups including infants and adults. The overall 1‐year period prevalence, age‐standardized to the Scottish population, was 2.3%. The 1‐year period prevalence was highest in the under 2s(9.8%), and showed a continuous reduction with increasing age. Over the age of 40, AE was found to be relatively rare, with a 1‐year period prevalence of 0.2%. Adults over 16 years made up 38% of all patients with AE.