The onset of atopic dermatitis (AD) in older adults, including those aged 90 and above, has been increasingly documented, highlighting age-related immune differences and risk factors. According to a 2012 survey, AD prevalence in the United States remains between 6% and 8% through adulthood, with a meta-analysis showing that 26.1% of adults with AD report its onset in adulthood. Recent research also identified significant proportions of elderly-onset AD, with studies showing incidence peaks in both infancy and older adulthood.

Factors such as female gender, smoking in adulthood, and lower childhood socioeconomic status were associated with adult-onset AD. Additionally, older adults with AD exhibit unique serum cytokine patterns, differing from younger patients. Research suggests that air pollution may also contribute to the onset of AD in older adults. In clinical practice, sleep disturbances related to AD pose significant challenges for older patients, and treatment approaches must consider potential side effects and the complexities of aging.

Reference: Kilgore C. Atopic Dermatitis in Older Adults: Common, Unique, and Challenging to Manage. Medscape. Published July 11, 2024. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/atopic-dermatitis-older-adults-common-unique-and-challenging-2024a1000cqt