Recent Statistics on Atopic Dermatitis in Korea: Five-Year Nationwide Analysis from 2008 to 2012

Background: Most of the previous epidemiologic studies on atopic dermatitis were based on the analysis of young patients excluding adults, and the target population was confined to a certain area. Korea has a national health insurance system, which covers the entire population and all medical facilities. Details of every medication, medical service, and diagnosis can be obtained in the Korean health insurance database. Objectives: The goal of this study was to obtain recent statistics on atopic dermatitis in Korea. Material and Methods: The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, a national medical database covering the entire Korean population, was analyzed. The prevalence, total cost, day of hospitalization, and the number of office visits during the most recent 5 years (2008-2012) were evaluated annually and compared. Results: The 12-month prevalence of atopic dermatitis decreased from 2.27% in 2008 to 1.98% in 2012. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis also showed a gradual decrease from 2008 (12.23%) to 2012 (10.51%). The number of hospital-admitted patients for AD increased by 47.6%, however, the mean admission days per inpatient decreased from 8.08 in 2008 to 6.44. The overall costs related to atopic dermatitis remained unchanged. Conclusions: The prevalence of atopic dermatitis is now decreasing in Korea.