Atopic dermatitis across the life course

Atopic dermatitis, the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease, can occur at any age, and patterns of disease activity vary over time. Both prevalence and incidence are highest in infancy and early childhood, followed by a second peak in older adulthood. Birth cohort studies from European countries following children through adolescence have identified subgroups of patients with early-onset persistent disease, early-onset resolving disease, and later-onset disease. Parental history of atopy and genetic factors are among the most consistent predictors of more persistent disease. Studies have begun to examine whether molecular markers differ by age group, although longitudinal data are lacking. Breastfeeding, probiotics and skin-directed therapies such as emollients have been investigated as potential preventive measures, but randomized trials have not found consistent long-term benefit. Future research should focus on patterns of disease activity beyond early adulthood and the role of treatments on long-term disease activity.

Automated summary

Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that can occur at any age and has variable patterns of disease activity over time. Genetic factors and parental history of atopy are consistent predictors of more persistent disease. Age-related differences in molecular markers are being studied, although there is a lack of longitudinal data. Preventive measures such as breastfeeding, probiotics, and emollients have shown inconsistent long-term benefits in randomized trials. Future research should focus on disease activity beyond early adulthood and the impact of treatments on long-term outcomes.