Nomenclature and Classification of Eczema

The prevalence of atopic eczema (AE) has risen over the past few decades. There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of AE in South Africa. The ISAAC phase 1 study reported a prevalence of 5 10% in Cape Town schoolchildren. A recent study by Todd et al. conducted among Xhosa children demonstrated a point prevalence (dermatologist-diagnosed) of 0.7%, 1.1% and 3.7% in rural, peri-urban and urban settings respectively. AE is therefore very rare in Xhosa children in rural settlements and a clear urban/rural gradient exists for the occurrence of AE in black children. AE is frequently undertreated despite severely affecting the quality of life of patients and their families. AE also commonly predates the development of allergic rhinitis and asthma.