Clinical evidence: Atopic eczema

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Abstract
![][1] This review is one of over 60 chapters included in the first issue of Clinical Evidence , a new information resource for clinicians available from 28 June 1999. The compendium will be updated and expanded every six months. Future issues of Clinical Evidence will summarise the evidence on further interventions on eczema, including emolients, ichthammol and tar, PUVA, oral treatments, alternative treatments, and psychological approaches. For more information see the editorial by Fiona Godlee and advertisements facing p 1598 (clinical research), p 1621 (general practice) and p 1567 (other editions). #### Key messages Definition: Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an inflammatory skin disease, characterised by an itchy, erythematous, poorly demarcated skin eruption, which has a predilection for the skin creases.1 Incidence/prevalence: In the United Kingdom atopic eczema affects 15-20% of schoolchildren2 and 2-3% of adults. Prevalence has increased substantially over the past 30 years,3 possibly because of … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif