Global Atopic Dermatitis Cases Projected to Hit 42.42 Million by 2033: Report

New Delhi: The global prevalence of atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition, is projected to rise to 42.42 million cases by 2033, according to a report released on December 23, 2024 by GlobalData, a data and analytics company.

The report highlights that the global burden of 12-month diagnosed prevalent cases of atopic dermatitis is forecast to grow at an annual growth rate (AGR) of 0.10 percent, increasing from approximately 42.02 million cases in 2023 to 42.42 million cases by 2033. This growth will be especially notable in the seven major markets, including the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan.

The rising prevalence is attributed to an increase in environmental and lifestyle risk factors and the growing incidence of adult-onset atopic dermatitis. Often referred to as eczema, the condition leads to inflammation, redness, and intense itching. According to the report, its pathogenesis remains unclear and likely results from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental influences, and dysfunctional immune responses.

Yixuan Zhang, an epidemiologist at GlobalData, explained to IANS that in 2023, 44 percent of the diagnosed prevalent cases were mild, 42 percent were moderate, and 14 percent were severe across the seven major markets. Severe cases are often associated with complications such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and reduced productivity due to the pruritic rashes that occur during flare-ups. This adds to the global economic and disease burden.

The report also underscores that while the highest prevalence is observed in childhood, cases are increasingly common among middle-aged and older populations. Zhang noted a correlation between a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and disease burden, with higher prevalence reported in economically advanced nations.

Emerging patterns indicate a rise in atopic dermatitis prevalence in low-income countries and an increase in adult-onset cases, particularly in Western countries. These trends suggest a shift in the global epidemiology of this complex disease, which presents varying clinical manifestations depending on demographic factors and disease severity.