Study Finds Underestimated Rates of Atopic Dermatitis for Adults 60 and Over
From 1990 to 2021, researchers explored the global burden of atopic dermatitis among older adults.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) has been underestimated as a global public health concern among adults over the age of 60, according to a study published in Frontiers in Public Health.1 The study’s findings highlighted significant variations of AD across genders, age groups, regions, and nations from 1990 to 2021.
“AD is a chronic inflammatory skin disease primarily characterized by dry, itchy, and eczematous skin, significantly impacting individual social interactions and quality of life,” wrote authors of the study. “AD arises in genetically susceptible individuals when environmental factors interact with compromised skin barrier function, leading to immune dysregulation. It’s the heaviest burden among skin diseases, affecting at least 230 million people globally.”
The differentiation between younger and older populations with AD led researchers to further assess disease burdens in adults over 60. | image credit: WavebreakMediaMicro / stock.adobe.com
AD is commonly referred to as eczema2 and typically appears during childhood. However, with its significant global burden, AD is often accompanied by long-term complications into adulthood. Furthermore, moderate-to-severe AD conditions are more prominent amongst older adults, a population that’s also more susceptible to comorbidities that are prone to worsening from AD treatment.
READ MORE: Atopic Dermatitis May Increase Risk of Food Allergies
The differentiation between younger and older populations with AD led researchers to further assess disease burdens in adults over 60.
“Although children represent a key population for AD prevention and treatment, the condition in the older adult cannot be overlooked,” they continued.1 “Compared with young AD patients, decreased barrier functionalities due to aging may elevate the vulnerability to environmental stimuli, potentially resulting in systemic sensitization and predisposing older adult individuals with AD to type 2 immune reactions.”
From 1990 to 2021, researchers explored the global, national, and regional burdens of older adults with AD. They did this by exploring the Global Burden of Diseases database study published in 2021, exploring all older adult AD cases. Researchers also explored characteristics aside from geographical location, including age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI).
In 2021, the global burden of AD in older adults was over 11 million cases, highlighting a 106.98% increase since 1990. Researchers also discovered a 110.16% increase in new cases of AD among this population.1
Regarding sex, the global burden of AD among older women was nearly 2 million more when compared with men.
“Although the rates of both genders displayed comparable downward trends between 1990 and 2021, females consistently maintained higher rates across all categories,” they wrote.1 “Incidence of older adult AD increased, with a particularly sharp rise between the ages of 75 [ to]79. Similarly, prevalence rates climbed with age, peaking in the 85 [to] 89 age bracket.”
When it comes to the geographical and SDI characteristics of AD in older adults, incidence and prevalence was concentrated in high-SDI regions, meaning high-income individuals were more likely to develop the condition. “In 2021, the 5 regions with the highest older adult AD incidence were high-income North America, high-income Asia Pacific, Western Europe, Southern Latin America, and Tropical Latin America,” they continued. “Among these, high-income North America reported the peak.”
The most notable and generalized finding in the researchers’ review was a significantly increased prevalence of global AD burden from 1990 to 2021.
Health care providers encourage AD diagnoses to occur at younger ages in order for patients to control their disease into adulthood, ensuring better health outcomes. However, despite younger populations being a target for treatment and prevention, older populations may need the same amount of focus because of the increased and underestimated prevalence of AD in older patients.
“Globally, AD represented an underestimated public health concern primarily affecting individuals aged 60 and older, with variations observed across genders, age groups, regions, and nations. Between 1990 and 2021, the burden of older adult AD remained high varied by gender, age and countries,” concluded authors of the study.1 “Those within the 80 [to] 89 age bracket, particularly females, bore a heavier burden of AD and thus warrant greater attention. Consequently, targeted strategies for the effective prevention and management of AD in the older adult are needed to address the impending challenge.”
READ MORE: Dermatology Resource Center
Are you ready to elevate your pharmacy practice? Sign up today for our free Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips, straight to your inbox.
