This week is World Allergy Week. This year’s focus is atopic dermatitis and its affect on quality of life.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic condition where your skin becomes dry and itchy too easily. This can lead to allergies and inflammation. It is more common in children than adults. But current research suggests that more adults may have it than once thought. AD is also sometimes called eczema. There is no cure.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) did a large population-based study of AD in 2017, titled Atopic Dermatitis in America. More than 2,000 adults took a comprehensive survey. This survey allowed us to look at responses from adults without AD, adults with mild AD and adults with moderate-to-severe AD. We have started to publish some of the results from our study and will continue throughout 2018.

The results confirm a high rate of AD among U.S. adults, about 7.3%. This matches past research. Also, adults with moderate-to-severe AD were more likely to report issues, like depression and anxiety, than those with mild AD.

Also, those who develop AD as adults or as older children say their AD is more severe, compared to those who developed AD as younger children. The study also collected data on quality-of-life issues. It showed how the disease can impact family and work life. We will share more on the report in the coming months.

Atopic Dermatitis in America is an independent research project of AAFA in partnership with the National Eczema Association (NEA) and sponsored by Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron.