Atopic dermatitis in adults: does it disappear with age?

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Clinical Immunology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited understanding of the long-term prognosis for adult atopic dermatitis.
• Previous questionnaire study indicated persistent symptoms in adults with atopic dermatitis.
• Growing prevalence of atopic dermatitis in children suggests a future increase in adult cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a clinical examination of adults with atopic dermatitis previously assessed via questionnaire.
• To evaluate the ongoing disease status, location, and severity in adult atopic dermatitis patients.
• To investigate the association between Malassezia sensitization and ongoing atopic dermatitis.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination of 79 adults (mean age 57 years) 3 years after a prior questionnaire study.
• Assessment of ongoing atopic dermatitis symptoms and eczema presence/location.
• Measurement of IgE antibodies to Malassezia (m70) and Malassezia fungal cultures.

Main Results:

• 68% of participants still reported having atopic dermatitis; 53% had ongoing eczema, primarily on the head and neck.
• Most cases were mild to moderate, but 12% experienced severe atopic dermatitis.
• IgE antibodies to Malassezia (m70) were more frequent in those with ongoing disease, while positive cultures were more common in those without ongoing symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Atopic dermatitis frequently persists into adulthood, often for many years.
• The study highlights the chronic nature of adult atopic dermatitis and its potential impact.
• Increased childhood prevalence suggests a rising burden of adult atopic dermatitis in the future.