Atopic Dermatitis Treatment: Rapid Itch Relief With Emerging Therapies

Casey Butrus, PharmD, and Michael Cameron, MD, FAAD, discuss the effectiveness of various therapies for atopic dermatitis (AD). Topical ruxolitinib and oral JAK inhibitors, they note, provide rapid itch relief within days, while systemic therapies like dupilumab also offer fast relief. In contrast, older treatments, such as topical steroids, may have a slower onset of action since they don’t directly target specific itch pathways like newer medications.

Dermatology Pipeline Review: JAK Inhibitors and Skin Condition Treatments

This article provides an overview of the dermatology pipeline, reviewing medications for alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, and plaque psoriasis, with a focus on JAK inhibitors for alopecia areata. Recent atopic dermatitis approvals include abrocitinib, upadacitinib, dupilumab, and tralokinumab, with lebrikizumab in phase 3 research. Promising plaque psoriasis treatments include deucravacitinib, bimekizumab, and various other options, including gene therapy.

Study: Itch in Atopic Dermatitis Strongly Linked to Patient-Reported Outcomes

The TREATgermany disease registry studied 1,134 patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) with Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) >20 from German clinics and practices. The findings revealed that 97.2% of patients experienced itch, and its severity was moderately correlated with AD severity scores. Notably, itch had a stronger connection with patient-reported outcomes, like self-reported disease severity and quality of life, compared to physician-assessed objective measures.

Understanding the Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on Patients’ Lives

In this discussion, Shawn Kwatra, MD, and Peter Lio, MD, address the challenges of atopic dermatitis in both adults and children, particularly the impact of itch and pain on patients’ quality of life. Sleep disturbance is a significant concern affecting mental and physical well-being and daily functioning. While they recognize some differences between adult and childhood onset, they highlight the overall similarities in the conditions.

Exploring Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Strategies

In this discussion, Shawn Kwatra, MD, and Peter Lio, MD, examine the use of therapies like topical JAK inhibitors and biologics for atopic dermatitis, as well as body surface area. They discuss the shift towards a “treat to target” approach and a more lenient threshold for considering biologics.

Expert Discussion: Atopic Dermatitis Treatments

Shawn Kwatra, MD, and Peter Lio, MD, discuss new developments in atopic dermatitis (AD) treatments, including promising topical medications like roflumilast and tapinarof, and the role of microbiome modulation in AD management through diet and probiotics. They emphasize the holistic approach to AD treatment, integrating conventional medicine with traditional practices and the growing potential of nutraceuticals.

Exploring Infectious Complications in Atopic Dermatitis: Key Factors and Prevention Strategies

Authors of a review examined infectious complications in atopic dermatitis (AD). Key contributing factors identified include skin barrier defects, type 2 inflammation, Staphylococcus aureus colonization, and cutaneous dysbiosis. Prevention strategies for AD-related infections prioritize skin barrier enhancement and anti-inflammatory treatments. Additional research is required to establish the appropriate use of antibiotics in AD exacerbations, given the significant comorbidity of infectious complications.

Diagnostic Tool Streamlines Atopic Dermatitis Identification and Treatment

This diagnostic tool assists clinicians in identifying atopic dermatitis, providing resources in areas such as diagnostic criteria, associated conditions, and treatment. Key diagnostic indicators include pruritus, chronic eczema, and characteristic patterns. The tool also highlights the need to assess itch intensity, sleep disruption, daily impact, and psychological aspects during follow up, advising alternative diagnoses or specialist consultation if treatments are ineffective.

Educational Series Explores Cytokines in Atopic Dermatitis and Advances in Treatment

In part one of this two-part video-based educational series, Dr. Christopher Bunick provides an overview of the cytokines involved in atopic dermatitis (AD), focusing on type I and type II receptors. The series delves into skin itch in inflammatory skin disorders, particularly exploring cytokine roles in AD pathogenesis. It also discusses the unmet needs and recent innovations in topical itch treatments, along with strategies for enhancing patient care.

Unpacking the Complexities of Severe Eczema: Infections, Allergies, Asthma, and More

A medically-reviewed article from WebMD analyzed the complications of severe eczema. Beyond itchy skin, severe eczema brings risks of infections, allergies, and asthma, as well as sleepless nights, fatigue, and even depression. Adults face isolation, eye problems, and job disruptions due to the condition. Long-term health concerns like heart disease may be linked, though research continues.