Dermatologic diseases associated with atopic dermatitis in Koreans: Multicenter study

Abstract

Background: Dermatological diseases can occur with atopic dermatitis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze diseases associated with atopic dermatitis in Koreans. Methods: From November, 2007, to May, 2008, 948 patients with atopic dermatitis who visited the department of dermatology at 19 hospitals were evaluated for associated diseases. Results: Of 948 patients, 53.8% (510) had symptoms associated with other dermatological diseases. In order of frequency, diseases associated with atopic dermatitis included acne, hand/foot eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, urticaria, warts, and recurrent herpes simplex. The number of associated diseases did not change significantly with the severity of atopic dermatitis. However, the incidence of hand/foot eczema and eczema herpeticum correlated significantly with the severity of atopic dermatitis. Conclusion: There is a distinct pattern of diseases associated with atopic dermatitis in Koreans.