Current status and characteristics of atopic dermatitis in Korea

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a very common disease with a prevalence of 15 to 25%, especially in Western countries, and seems to be increasing worldwide and in Korea. The prevalence of AD in Korea is considered to be about 10% in the pediatric population less than 6 years of age and decreases thereafter, falling to about 3% in adults. AD in Korea seems to be a little more common in girls than in boys. Infragluteal eczema, scalp scaling, and periauricular eczema, which are not included in the worldwide diagnostic criteria, are reported to be quite common in Korean AD patients. Recently, the number of adult patients with a more severe form of AD appears to be increasing in Korea. Many Korean patients are more likely to seek treatments that are not proven to be effective scientifically, and patient education is of utmost importance.