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Global atopic dermatitis incidence rises with socioeconomic development and is positively associated with obesity, air pollution, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets.
A new global study has revealed substantial disparities in atopic dermatitis (AD) incidence across 204 countries between 1990 and 2021. The research, based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Study 2021, offers one of the most comprehensive insights yet into the global patterns and underlying risk factors of this chronic inflammatory skin condition.
Global Incidence Rising, Especially in High-Income Regions
In 2021 alone, an estimated 16 million novel AD cases were reported worldwide. The maximum age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) were observed in high-income Asia Pacific (474.8 per 100,000 population) and Western Europe (421.7 per 100,000 population). Across regions, women illustrated higher incidence rates compared with men.
Researchers noted that AD incidence rose in parallel with socioeconomic development, measured via the Sociodemographic Index (SDI)—a composite indicator of fertility, income, and education. Industrialized and rapidly developing nations illustrated the steepest increases, suggesting that modernization and urban lifestyle changes may be key drivers of the ailment’s growing burden.
Obesity, Inactivity, and Air Pollution Among Top Risk Factors
The study identified numerous modifiable risk factors contributing to the rise in AD. Among these, low physical activity, high body mass index (BMI), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air pollution exhibited the strongest positive links with the likelihood of AD development. Additionally, unhealthy dietary habits—including high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meats, and sodium, combined with low intake of whole grains—were found to substantially elevate AD risk. These findings emphasize the interplay between modern dietary patterns and inflammatory skin ailments.
Socioeconomic Growth Linked to Higher AD Risk
Interestingly, while socioeconomic progress is typically linked with better healthcare and hygiene, the analysis revealed that greater socioeconomic development correlates with higher AD incidence. Researchers suggest that this may stem from heightened exposure to environmental pollutants, urban stress, dietary alterations, and sedentary lifestyles common in industrialized societies.
Implications for Global Public Health
The authors stress the urgent need for targeted public health interventions that address preventable lifestyle and environmental risk factors. Efforts to minimize obesity rates, encourage physical activity, improve air quality, and promote balanced diets could collectively help curtail the global burden of AD.
These findings highlight how lifestyle and environmental changes accompanying modernization are reshaping the global landscape of AD. Public health strategies that foster healthy living, clean air, and balanced diets could be instrumental in reversing current global trends.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Global trends and modifiable risk factors for atopic dermatitis incidence: Insights from GBD 2021
Yi Xiao et al.
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