[Atopic dermatitis and related factors observed at infant physical examination at health centers]

We investigated the incidence of atopic dermatitis and related factors at infant physical examination at health centers. Subjects were 900 infants (290 four-month-old infants, 298 one-year and six month-old infants, 312 three-year-old infants) who participated in infant physical examinations in Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama City. Overall, we analyzed 696 infants whose mothers had cooperated with the survey by completing questionnaires during physical examinations, and who submitted to examination by consulting dermatologists. The incidence of atopic dermatitis was 11.6% in 4-month-old infants, 12.2% in 1.5-year-old infants, and 12.1% in 3-year-old infants. The following were found to be related to the atopic dermatitis of infants. 1. Family history of atopic dermatitis in their mothers and older siblings. 2. Mothers' limited diet during pregnancy (avoiding some food which are suspected allergens). 3. Past history of molluscum contagiosum. 4. The frequency of taking bath. While epidemiological surveys of atopic dermatitis have previously been performed, the criteria at each survey was not identical and results could not be compared precisely. In this survey, 1. Dermatologists specializing in atopic dermatitis performed examinations. 2. All diagnoses were made according to standardized criteria which are applied nationwide. 3. All subjects were from a specific region. Because of this approach, this survey provides important information that can form the basis of comparison for future epidemiological surveys of atopic dermatitis.