§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people suffered from atopic eczema in each year since 1997. [122414]
§ Dr. LadymanThat information is not available centrally, however it is estimated that eczema affects around one in 12 adults and up to one fifth of children.
The table shows the number of prescription items and the net ingredient cost (thousands) of products for treatment of eczema dispensed in the community in England from 1997 to 2002.
Year Number of prescription items (thousands) Net ingredient cost (£ thousands) 1997 313.02 6,622.1 1998 298.7 6,356.2 1999 289.7 6,277.3 2000 282.4 5,998.4 2001 279.8 6,026.1 2002 280.7 6,725.7