Jonathan Silverberg, MD, PhD, of the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, DC, and colleagues identified considerable racial and ethnic disparities in childhood atopic dermatitis. The authors evaluated data from multiple studies that examined health outcomes in US children and adults, including US population-based cross-sectional surveys (National Survey of Children’s Health, Atopic Dermatitis in America study, Medical Expenditure Survey, National Health Interview Survey), longitudinal surveys ( The Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study), nationwide studies of US hospitalizations (Nationwide Inpatient Sample), and emergency department visits (Nationwide Emergency Department Sample). The researchers found that compared with White children, Black children in the United States had higher rates of atopic dermatitis, more persistent childhood atopic dermatitis, and more nights of sleep loss. In addition, Black and Hispanic children had more severe atopic dermatitis and poorer overall health than White children. “Black and Hispanic children with atopic dermatitis had lower household income, were more likely to be uninsured or underinsured, and reported insufficient time during the patient-physician encounter,” Dr. Silverberg said. “Lower income and lack of private insurance do not account for all of the racial/ethnic disparities observed in atopic dermatitis. Multiple interventions are needed to eliminate these disparities.”
