Most atopic dermatitis patients can be treated well with a combination of emollients and topical anti-inflammatory creams.
Severe atopic dermatitis may need systemic drugs for disease control. These drugs may be given orally as pills or subcutaneously as injections.
Oral steroids have some risk and little benefit and should mostly be avoided.
Cyclosporin A is a fast acting, immunosuppressive drug licensed in many European countries. Methotrexate, Azathioprine and Mycophenolate are slower-acting immunosuppressive drugs, which are sometimes used by experienced specialists.
Dupilumab and other biologics, as well as JAK inhibitors are a group of a new and very expensive drugs recently licensed. Compared to older immunosuppressive drugs, they target a more restricted part of the immune system, which is overactive in atopic dermatitis patients.
Systemic treatment of atopic dermatitis should be given by experienced specialists only.
What is practical advice for skin care in atopic dermatitis?