A research letter published by Choragudi et al in JAMA Dermatology used data from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey to determine the prevalence of eczema among children in the United States from 1997 to 2018. Among the over 260,000 children aged 0 to 17 years who were included in the survey, researchers noted an increase in the prevalence of eczema over the study period—from 7.9% in 1997 to 12.6% in 2017, with most increases seen from 1997 to 2010 and prevalence staying stable from 2010 to 2018. This prevalence increase was seen in all age groups—0 to 5 years, 6 to 10 years, and 11 to 17 years—from 1997 to 2010, but the oldest age group saw an increase in prevalence throughout the entire period from 1997 to 2018. In male patients, there was an increase in prevalence seen from 1997 to 2011, after which rates remained stable; for female patients, increases in prevalence continued from 1997 through 2018.
Lastly, larger yearly average annual percent changes were noted in Black and multiracial children with eczema over the study period. The researchers concluded, “These findings suggest changes in the diagnosing of eczema among racial and ethnic minority groups. In a 2019 study, African genetic ancestry was not associated with risk of atopic dermatitis compared with European ancestry, suggesting that contextual variables such as socioeconomic status, environment, and health-care access and quality may be factors in eczema prevalence. However, more research among pediatric racial and ethnic minority populations is warranted.”