https://doi.org/10.1177/1203475418805709 Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 2018, Vol. 22(1S) 17S–20S © The Author(s) 2018 Article reuse guidelines: sagepub.com/journals-permissions DOI: 10.1177/1203475418805709 journals.sagepub.com/home/jcms Atopic diseases are very common in both children and adults, and while both incidence and prevalence are well docu- mented in children, the true prevalence of these diseases is less well known in the adult population. Most cases of atopic dermatitis (AD) are commonly believed to be early onset, appearing in the first 2 years of life and improving with age. 1 In the United States, self-reported pediatric AD is reported to be 10.7%. 2 In contrast, adult-onset AD is thought to be much less common, and few epidemiological studies have docu- mented its prevalence. 1 Importantly, rates of AD prevalence in adults vary widely depending on geography, likely due to varied diagnostic criteria and international differences in clinical phenotype. Several publications have attempted to document the true prevalence of AD in adults. Using population-based data from the US National Center for Health Statistics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of eczema was found to be 10.2% in adults. 3 Furthermore, a 3.2% prevalence of eczema, asthma, and hay fever was iden- tified, suggesting AD is not uncommon in adult patients. 3,4 A large, international, web-based survey done in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan showed patient-reported rates of adult AD between 2.1% and 4.9%, most commonly of mild-to-moderate severity. 5 Of note, the point prevalence of AD in Canada was found to be 3.5%. A population-based Italian study estimated an 8.1% prevalence of self-reported eczema, with a 3.4% prevalence of eczema with asthma and/ or hay fever. Prevalence was significantly associated with environmental factors, which included living close to indus- trial plants and high levels of heavy traffic near home. 6 Interestingly, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that there is no significant difference in AD preva- lence before and after childhood. 7 This may be due to persis- tent disease, remission, or clearance of disease among some patients and late-onset disease in others. AD is often associated with other atopic diseases and may occur as part of the atopic march. Atopic diseases include asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopy-associated eye disorders including allergic conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis, Original Article 805709CMS XX X 10.1177/1203475418805709Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and SurgeryHong et al research-article 2018 Affiliations/acknowledgments: This paper is part of a series published as a Sanofi Genzyme sponsored supplement. All author affiliations, conflicts of interest statements, and acknowledgements are available in the introduction of this issue (Gooderham JG, Hong C, Albrecht L et al. Approach to the assessment and management of adult patients with atopic dermatitis: a consensus document. J Cutan Med Surg. 2018;22(supple 1):3-4.). Corresponding Author: Chih-ho Hong, Dr. Chih-ho Hong Medical, Inc, 20-15300 105 Avenue, Surrey, BC V3R 6A7, Canada. Email: chihho@mail.ubc.ca Approach to the Assessment and Management of Adult Patients With Atopic Dermatitis: A Consensus Document. Section III: Evaluation of Atopic Dermatitis Patients for Comorbidities Chih-ho Hong, Gordon Sussman, Irina Turchin, Marni Wiseman, and Melinda J. Gooderham Abstract Atopic dermatitis (AD) is often associated with other atopic diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopy-associated eye disorders, and eosinophilic esophagitis. Depression and anxiety are also comorbidities to AD that significantly affect quality of life and should be screened for in patients with AD. Links to other comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and malignancy are considered inconclusive, but patient counselling and screening may be appropriate in some patients. This article highlights practical recommendations for the recognition and management of atopic and nonatopic comorbidities commonly associated with AD. Keywords atopic dermatitis, comorbidities, prevalence, ocular comorbidities, depression, anxiety