Adult eczema prevalence and associations with asthma and other health and demographic factors: a US population-based study.

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the epidemiology of eczema in adults. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of and associations with adult eczema in the United States.

METHODS

We used the 2010 National Health Interview Survey from a nationally representative sample of 27,157 adults age 18 to 85 years.

RESULTS

Overall, the 1-year prevalence of eczema was 10.2% (95% CI, 9.7% to 10.6%). The 1-year prevalence of eczema with asthma and/or hay fever was 3.2% (95% CI, 2.8% to 3.3%). Adult eczema was associated with higher prevalence of asthma (P < .001, Rao-Scott χ(2) test), more asthma attacks in the past year (P < .001), and more persistent asthma (P = .02). In multivariate models eczema prevalence was significantly higher in older participants; female subjects; those with Hispanic ethnicity, US birthplace, and higher level of household education; and those currently working (all P ≤ .02, logistic regression).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides US population-based estimates of eczema prevalence and asthma associations in adults. The results suggest multiple demographic and socioeconomic influences on the US prevalence of adult eczema.