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  1. Article
  2. Source: Campus Sanofi
  3. 17 Sep 2025

Epidemiology

Author: Sanofi

Editorial Team

Epidemiology

Atopic Dermatitis Prevalence

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 20% to 25% of children and about 10% of adults

worldwide1. The onset of AD typically occurs in infancy or early childhood, with around 60% of cases starting within the first year of life and up to

85% before the age of five2. However, adult-onset AD accounts for 20-25% of adult cases, highlighting that the disease can also develop later in

life3. Prevalence varies regionally, with higher rates reported in industrialized countries and urban areas, likely due to environmental and lifestyle

factors4. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 estimated that over 129 million people worldwide are affected by AD, with pediatric cases

reaching approximately 72 million, predominantly in children aged 5 to 9 years5.

 

Atopic dermatitis prevalence in the GCC region is considerably higher than the global average, especially among children and adolescents, with rates

ranging roughly from 12% to 30% depending on the country and age group. This elevated prevalence highlights the necessity to increase awareness, diagnosis, and management efforts tailored to the regional population.

  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) shows notably high AD prevalence rates compared to global averages. For the general population, UAE has an estimated prevalence of about 12.0%, with children showing even higher rates around 19.7%6.
  • Saudi Arabia shows an adult AD prevalence of about 30%, indicating a significant disease burden in the adult population7.

MAT-KW-250016-V1.0-04/2025  

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