Atopic dermatitis (AD) prevalence and persistence were highest in US urban children who were female or black, a new study found. Researchers analyzed data from The Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a prospective study of 4,898 women and their children born in 20 large US cities between 1998 - 2000. AD prevalence was determined at ages 5, 9, and 15 years, and stratified by sex, race/ethnicity, and household poverty income level. Among the findings:

• The prevalence of childhood AD were 15%, 15.1%, and 14.5% at ages 5, 9, and 15 years, respectively.
• Female sex and black race were associated with persistent AD across at 3 ages.
• Urban children with persistent AD were more likely to have poor quality-of-life and asthma.