Global, regional, and national burdens of atopic dermatitis from 1990 to 2021: a trend analysis.

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a widespread dermatological condition, particularly affecting children globally. In spite of its high prevalence, comprehensive data on its burden and trends are limited.

METHODS

Using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) data from 204 countries and 21 regions (1990-2021), we analyzed AD prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), calculating age-standardized rates (ASRs) and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs).

OBJECTIVE

This study is designed to examine the temporal trends in the burden of AD across global, regional, and national levels.

RESULTS

Globally, AD cases rose from 107.5 million (1990) to 129.0 million (2021). The high-income Asia Pacific region had instances of age-standardized prevalence (ASPR), age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), and age-standardized DALYs, with Japan leading among 204 countries. High sociodemographic index (SDI) regions showed the highest ASPR, ASIR, and age-standardized DALYs, while medium and high SDI regions experienced the largest increases. Females exhibited higher ASRs than males. Age-specific prevalence and DALYs peaked in children aged 5-9 years, whereas incidence was the highest in those aged under 5 years. Projections based on 1990-2021 data suggest declining global trends in ASPR, ASIR, and age-standardized DALYs by 2050.

CONCLUSIONS

Global AD prevalence and DALYs continue to rise, whereas ASPR and age-standardized DALYs are declining. High SDI regions exhibit the highest prevalence, yet low-income countries show increasing age-standardized DALYs, underscoring profound regional heterogeneity. Thus, the absolute burden of AD is escalating worldwide, while individual-level risk appears to be improving.