title: Adult-onset atopic dermatitis.
abstract: Atopic dermatitis beginning in adult life is not mentioned in the medical literature. In a review of 2604 patients attending a contact dermatitis clinic, 243 patients (9%) were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis which began for the first time at 20 years of age or older with no contact factors present. This compares with 213 patients (8%) who had atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Patients with purely atopic dermatitis had negative patch testing to relevant allergens and the diagnosis was based on a personal or family history of atopy as well as elevated IgE levels and multiple positive skin prick tests. A broad range of age of onset was found, as well as a female preponderance. The commonest sites of dermatitis were generalized involvement, dermatitis of the hands or eczema involving the face.
authors: Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia. mbannister@bigpond.com.au
authors: M J
authors: MJ
authors: Bannister
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Freeman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution