Cumulative prevalence of atopic eczema and related skin symptoms in a well-baby clinic: a retrospective cohort study |
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| Authors: | Elina Pia-Maria Lehtonen Doris Holmberg-Marttila Minna Kaila |
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| Affiliation: | Department of General Practice, Medical School, University of Tampere;and Paediatric Research Center, Tampere University Hospital and University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland |
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| Abstract: | The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and treatment policy of atopic eczema (AE) and related skin symptoms including rash, redness, dryness and itch in 0- to 5-year-old children. Health records of 320 children born in 1994 were systematically studied. The main results were that 77% of children suffered from skin symptoms during their first 5 years while the cumulative prevalence of AE was 16%, and 11% of children with skin symptoms were referred to a specialist. AE and related skin symptoms were common in the first 5 years of life, and were mostly temporary and responsive to topical treatment. Well-baby clinics play a key role in the treatment of skin-symptomatic children. |
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| Keywords: | skin symptoms atopic dermatitis well-baby clinic health services needs and demand population-based study |
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