Eczema prevalence in the United States: Data from the 2003 National Survey of Children’s Health

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Authors: Tatyana E. Shaw, Gabriel P. Currie, Caroline W. Koudelka, and Eric L. Simpson
Oregon Health & Science University

Using the 2003 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) sponsored by the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau, the authors calculated prevalence estimates of eczema nationally and for each state among a nationally representative sample of 102,353 children 17 years of age and under. The objective was to determine the national prevalence of eczema/atopic dermatitis in the United States pediatric population and to further examine geographic and demographic associations previously reported in other countries. Overall, 10.69% of children were reported to have a diagnosis of eczema in the last 12 months. Prevalence ranged from 8.69% to 18.05% between states and districts, with the highest prevalence reported in many of the East Coast states, as well as Nevada, Utah, and Idaho. After adjusting for confounders, metropolitan living was found to be a significant factor in predicting a higher disease prevalence with an OR of 1.67 (95% confidence interval of 1.19-2.35, p=0.0079). Black race (OR 1.70, p=0.0048) and education level in the household greater than high school (OR 1.61, p=0.0038) were also significantly associated with a higher prevalence of eczema. This study aids in determining the burden of atopic dermatitis in the United States. The wide range of prevalence suggests social or environmental factors may influence disease expression.

Special thanks to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology for sharing this article. J Invest Dermatol advance online publication, August 26, 2010; doi:10.1038/jid.2010.25