Atopic dermatitis not only negatively impacts the child’s quality of life but also that of the whole family and is associated with a burden on health-care costs and society

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition in children. In Asia, the prevalence of AD is increasing, which is largely attributed to environmental and socioeconomic factors including family income, parental education, lifestyle and metropolitan living. Current clinical guidelines recommend a stepped approach in the managePublished online: April 24, 2015 Dr. Bee Wah Lee The Child and Allergy Clinic, 3 Mount Elizabeth 11-11 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre Singapore 228510 (Singapore) E-Mail paeleebw @ nus.edu.sg © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel 0250–6807/15/0665–0018$39.50/0 www.karger.com/anm Key Messages • Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory disease of childhood. • Its prevalence in the Asia Pacific region is increasing. • This condition impacts the quality of life not only of the patients but also of the whole family and carries a cost burden on society. • Further evaluations of AD costs and the costeffectiveness of pediatric AD prevention strategies in Asia Pacific countries are warranted. Introduction Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disorder and considered to be the earliest manifestation of the atopic march. It has a chronic relapsing and remitting course which deeply affects the child’s quality of life as D ow nl oa de d by : 54 .7 0. 40 .1 1 10 /6 /2 01 7 6: 12 :1 5 P M