Analysis of risk factors of childhood atopic dermatitis, in dong-gu incheon

Abstract

Background: Genetic predisposition and environmental aspects may act as triggering factors and influence the disease expression. Dong-gu, which is located on the west of Incheon, has a large harbor and industrial complex. Such environmental aspects of Dong-gu may play a role in AD. Objective: We investigated the epidemiologic features of AD in preschool and elementary school children in Dong-gu. Methods: This study was carried out among 2,760 preschool and elementary school children from June to October. A questionnaire survey is composed of clinical manifestations, genetic and environment factors and lifestyle. Two dermatologists examined the skin conditions of the subjects. The severity of AD was evaluated using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score and the factors affecting the severity of the diseases were determined. Results: The questionnaire suggested that there was 19.7% of the preschool childhood and elementary school students in Incheon with AD. But, the prevalence of AD evaluated by the two dermatologists was 13.2%. The average EASI score is 2.88 (±4.08). There was a statistical significance in parental past history, especially of atopic dermatitis and moving into a new house within a year after birth (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that there is strong correlation of genetic and environmental factors in the severity of atopic dermatitis in children.