Global epidemiology and disparities in atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects children and adults worldwide. Advances have been made towards unravelling the pathogenesis, identifying various triggers, linking the environment and psychosocial factors with disease and the development of therapeutic targets to improve disease control. This article describes the global epidemiology and disparities that exist in various populations and regions across the globe. AD prevalence and burden varies widely both within and between countries inhabited by the same ethnic groups suggesting strong environmental influences in disease expression, socioeconomics and affluence being the main drivers. Inequities in access to healthcare and the quality of healthcare provided amongst racial and ethnic minority groups is well documented. Disparities in access to various topical and systemic therapies are barriers to registration and approval, cost, manufacturing, supply and approval by medical insurance companies and governments. Identifying the factors driving the inequities in access is central to better patient care.