A Japanese study evaluated the associated factors for atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, rhinitis and food allergy in 460 children (aged 0-6 years) in Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, Japan. The prevalence of AD was 12.2%. The cumulative prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and food allergy was 19.9%, 3.3% and 5.5%, respectively. Maternal history of rhinitis, AD in siblings, history of asthma or food allergy, and elevation of total IgE were significantly related to AD. A high total IgE was a strong risk factor (odds ratio 2.90) for AD in this population (Fukiwake, N. et al. Eur J Dermatol 2008, 18[5]: 571-574). --> -->