Incidence of neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis) among preschool children in Ostalbkreis (Baden-Wurttemberg)

The prevalence of atopic eczematous dermatitis differs considerably between countries, In a former study with preschool children the prevalence in Bad en-Wurttemberg according to data from parent questionaires was about 10 per cent. Taking into account the expected false positives and false negatives led to the approximated unbiased prevalence of 7 to 8 percent. To evaluate this estimate, the Health Department Ostalbkreis used the same questionnai re in a second study of the same age group. The questionnaires were self-ad ministered by the parents during the medical examination before school entr ance. The parents of positive administered cases (11.2 per cent) were asked for permission to contact the family doctor to have the diagnosis confirme d (or not). 75 per cent of the positive identified cases by questionnaires were confirmed by family doctors. Therefore, the prevalence of atopic eczem atous dermatitis in preschool children aged six to seven years in the area of Ostalbkreis is about 8.5 per cent.