Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a widespread, chronic inflammatory skin condition with substantial global impact. While regional studies have explored its prevalence in Spain, comprehensive national data detailing AD prevalence across various sociodemographic groups remain limited. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the 2023 prevalence of AD in Spain and explore disparities across key sociodemographic groups. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using Spain’s National Health System Primary Care Clinical Database (BDCAP). We identified AD cases via ICPC code S87. We calculated crude and age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPRs) and rate ratios, stratified by sex, age, country of origin, municipality size, income, and employment status. The 2013 European Standard Population was used for age standardization. Results: In 2023, an estimated 2,706,675 individuals in Spain were living with AD, with women (1,451,216 cases) experiencing a higher burden than men (1,255,459 cases), and also presenting with a higher mean age (27.23 years vs. 22.96 years for men). Urban living showed a clear dose–response relationship with AD prevalence. In cities with over 500,000 inhabitants, ASPRs reached 7.74% in men and 8.52% in women; significantly higher than in rural areas, where rates were 5.66% and 6.57%, respectively. Individuals in the middle-income bracket (€18,000–€99,999) consistently exhibited the highest prevalence, and the non-active employment group also demonstrated an elevated risk (ASPRs: 6.51% for men, 7.28% for women). Finally, Spanish-born individuals generally had higher AD prevalence compared to most foreign-born populations. Conclusions: Atopic dermatitis in Spain displays significant sociodemographic disparities, with urban environments, female sex, and non-active employment status emerging as key risk factors. These findings underscore the importance of targeted public health interventions and equity-focused dermatological planning.
Cayuela et al. (2026) studied this question.