(Washington DC.) The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) this week announced data demonstrating the high rate of prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in the US adult population and a greater impact on health-related quality of life and mental health symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, for patients with moderate-to-severe disease compared to those with mild disease. These results are from the Atopic Dermatitis in America Study, an independent research project of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America in partnership with the National Eczema Association (NEA) and sponsored by Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron.

Results of the study, presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, found:

Using UK Working Group Criteria (UKWGC) for AD, the prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis in US Adults was 7.3%, which is in line with those of a prior study reporting a similar prevalence of AD.
When compared to those with mild disease, persons with moderate-to-severe disease reported significantly poorer health related quality of life such as itching and sleep loss as well as mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
Dr. Zelma C. Chiesa Fuxench, MD MSCE, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, and one of the lead authors of this study said: “The data from the AD in America study strengthens the evidence of the high prevalence of atopic dermatitis and paints a picture the devastating effects of the disease on quality of life.”

About the Atopic Dermatitis in America Study – Poster no. 6236

This study was conducted for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America in collaboration with the National Eczema Association under the guidance of a Scientific Advisory Panel chaired by Zelma C. Chiesa Fuxench, MD MSCE and Peck Ong, MD. The Advisory Panel includes: Mark Boguniewicz, MD; Luz Fonacier, MD; Joel Gelfand, MD, MSCE; David Margolis, MD, PhD; Lawrence Schwartz, MD, PhD; and Jonathan Silverberg, MD, PhD, MPH. Additional counsel was provided by Mitchell Grayson, MD, Eric Simpson, MD, MCR, Lynda Mitchell, MA from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and Julie Block, BA, from the National Eczema Foundation.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that causes skin to become dry and itchy. AD is the most common type of eczema. More than 18 million American are living with AD, which often appears as a red, itchy rash normally on the cheeks, arms and legs.

About the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

Founded in 1953 and celebrating 65 years of service, AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions through research, education, advocacy and support. AAFA provides practical information and community-based services through its digital communities and national network of local chapters and educational support groups. Through its Kids With Food Allergies division, AAFA offers the most extensive online support community for families raising children with food allergies. AAFA also helps consumers identify products suitable for those with asthma and allergies through the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program. For more information, visit  aafa.org.

About the National Eczema Foundation

The National Eczema Association (NEA) is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization whose mission is to improve the health and quality of life for individuals with eczema through research, support, and education. NEA was founded in 1988 by a group of patients, medical professionals, and parents who decided they could do something more to make living with this skin disease a great deal easier. As the sole patient advocacy organization serving people with eczema, NEA is active year-round to promote eczema awareness and address issues critical to patient care. For more information, visit  nationaleczema.org.