In 85% of cases, AD occurs in the first year of life; in 95% of cases, it occurs before age 5 years. The incidence of AD is highest in early infancy and childhood. The disease may have periods of complete remission, particularly in adolescence, and may then recur in early adult life.
Kaposi varicelliform eruption (eczema herpeticum) is a well-recognized complication of AD. It usually occurs with a primary herpes simplex infection, but it may also be seen with recurrent infection. Vesicular lesions usually begin in areas of eczema and spread rapidly to involve all eczematous areas and healthy skin. Another cause of Kaposi varicelliform eruption is vaccination with vaccinia for the prevention of smallpox. Note that chickenpox vaccine does not carry the same risk as herpes simplex and vaccinia.
One third of patients develop allergic rhinitis. One third of patients develop asthma.
AD affects persons of all races. Immigrants from developing countries living in developed countries have a higher incidence of AD than the indigenous population, and the incidence is rapidly rising in developed countries.
For more on the epidemiology of AD, read here.
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Cite this: Scott H. Sicherer, William James, Germaine L. Defendi. Fast Five Quiz: Can You Answer These Challenging Pediatrics Questions? - Medscape - Mar 13, 2017.
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