GADA | Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas

First global report on atopic dermatitis launched to provide insight into the worldwide prevalence and burden of the disease.

The first global report on atopic dermatitis has been published by the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), in close collaboration with the International Society of Atopic Dermatitis (ISAD), the International Eczema Council (IEC), the European Taskforce for Atopic Dermatitis (ETFAD) and the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organization (IADPO/GlobalSkin), marking the start of the Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas.

The report comprehensively summarizes the disease burden, geographical gaps in prevalence data, the impact on patients’ and their families’ lives as well as currently available treatments. It also takes stock of inequalities in access to therapeutics and provides horizon scanning on novel treatment approaches.

Professor Carsten FLOHR, GADA Director, says:

“We are very excited to launch the Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas with this report, highlighting the worldwide importance of atopic dermatitis as a non-communicable disease.”

Atopic dermatitis is a highly prevalent, non-communicable chronic skin disease – also known as ‘atopic eczema’ or ‘eczema’. Dry, flaky and itchy skin is a hallmark feature. Atopic dermatitis affects up to 20% of children and 10% of adults, with a particularly high prevalence in young children.

However, most epidemiological surveys have been conducted in higher income countries, and there is lack of data on how many people have atopic dermatitis in many lower resource settings, its severity, and how it is treated. This knowledge is essential to better understand the global and local burden of atopic dermatitis and to plan public health interventions to improve patients’ lives.

Professor Lars FRENCH, ILDS President, says:

The ILDS is very pleased to publish the first Global Report on Atopic Dermatitis and to support the development of the first Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas. Building on the lessons learnt from the very successful Global Psoriasis Atlas launched in 2017, the Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas is intended to become a focal point for sharing and dissemination of epidemiological and clinical data relevant to healthcare professionals, patients and policy makers.

Following the publication of the first global report, GADA aims to fill gaps in epidemiological data and provide recommendations for governments, policymakers, health professionals and patient organisations based on best evidence through:

  • a systematic review of the current epidemiological data on the burden of atopic dermatitis
  • the formulation of international consensus to improve and standardize study designs
  • the development of research (e-)tools for fieldwork, and
  • conducting epidemiological surveys focusing on geographical areas with lack of data.

Governments and other stakeholders have a key role to play in addressing the lack of access and affordability of current and future treatments in order to improve outcomes for people with atopic dermatitis.

Bernd Arents, Past President of the Dutch Association for People with Atopic Dermatitis and Lead of the Writing Group of the report, adds: 

This global report and the launch of GADA are of incredible importance. Living with severe atopic dermatitis myself, I know too well the burden of atopic dermatitis. Sadly, there are inequities in access to care, leading to unmet needs and unnecessary burden for patients, their carers and families. GADA aims to improve the lives of all those living with atopic dermatitis, all over the world.

Alain TAÏEB, President ISAD: 

The International Society of Atopic Dermatitis (ISAD) welcomes the Global Report on Atopic Dermatitis (GADA) initiative launched by the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) which will help to hear the voices of patients around the world, with a better recognition of the prevalence and burden of AD. ISAD is particularly appreciative that GADA will take into account the better access to medicines for patients living in low resources countries.

About the Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas

The GADA project is led by Professor Carsten Flohr and is an initiative of the ILDS in collaboration with the International Society of Atopic Dermatitis (ISAD), the International Eczema Council (IEC), the European Taskforce for Atopic Dermatitis (ETFAD) and the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin).

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