Atopic Dermatitis — Patient Handout
Eczema, most commonly referred to as atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, red, and irritated skin. It is not contagious — you cannot "catch" it from another person.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Atopic Dermatitis | Most common type; often starts in childhood; linked to immune system and genetics |
| Contact Dermatitis | Triggered by direct skin contact with an irritant or allergen |
| Dyshidrotic Eczema | Blisters on hands and feet; linked to stress and sweating |
| Nummular Eczema | Coin-shaped spots; often linked to dry skin and cold weather |
| Seborrheic Dermatitis | Affects oily areas like the scalp, face, and chest |
| Chronic Hand Eczema | Persistent eczema on the hands; often occupationally driven |
Eczema symptoms vary by age and severity but typically include:
Eczema results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Environmental | Dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold |
| Irritants | Soaps, detergents, perfumes, synthetic fabrics |
| Food | Dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, wheat (especially in children) |
| Weather | Cold/dry air, excessive heat, humidity changes |
| Stress | Emotional stress, anxiety |
| Sweating | Exercise, hot showers |
| Infections | Bacterial (Staph), viral, or fungal skin infections |
There is no single test for eczema. Your doctor will:
Treatment is tailored to your age, severity, and individual response. Always consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or switching treatments.
The foundation of eczema management — regardless of medication:
| Medication | Type | Approved For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoryve (roflumilast) 0.15% | PDE4 inhibitor cream | Ages 6+ | FDA-approved July 2024; no skin thinning risk |
| Vtama (tapinarof) 1% | AhR agonist cream | Ages 2+ | FDA-approved Dec 2024; once-daily use |
| Opzelura (ruxolitinib) | Topical JAK inhibitor | Ages 2+ | Expanded approval Sept 2025; effective for mild-moderate AD |
| ANZUPGO (delgocitinib) | Topical JAK inhibitor | Adults | First-ever treatment for chronic hand eczema, approved July 2025 |
Biologics are targeted injections that block specific proteins driving eczema inflammation:
| Biologic | Target | Dosing | Approved For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dupixent (dupilumab) | IL-4 & IL-13 | Every 2 weeks | Ages 6 months+ — Gold Standard |
| Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) | IL-13 | Monthly (after loading) | Ages 12+; most convenient dosing |
| Adbry (tralokinumab) | IL-13 | Every 2 weeks | Ages 12+ |
| Nemluvio (nemolizumab) | IL-31 (itch pathway) | Every 4 weeks | Ages 12+; first biologic targeting itch directly |
Oral JAK inhibitors offer a daily tablet option as an alternative to injections:
| Drug | Brand Name | Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upadacitinib | Rinvoq | 12+ | Fast-acting; impressive skin clearance rates |
| Abrocitinib | Cibinqo | 12+ | Pfizer studying in children 6+ (Dec 2025 trial) |
| Baricitinib | Olumiant | Adults | Also used in alopecia and arthritis |
Keep home humidity between 45–55% using a humidifier in winter. Use fragrance-free laundry detergents and rinse clothes twice. Vacuum regularly to reduce dust mites; use allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
Bathe once daily in lukewarm (not hot) water for 5–10 minutes. Use gentle, soap-free cleansers. Pat skin dry — never rub. Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing ("soak and seal" method).
Keep the bedroom cool at night. Wear light, breathable cotton pajamas. Try wet wraps or cool compresses for intense itching. Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques can help reduce flare frequency.
Food triggers vary by individual — no universal eczema diet exists. Keep a food and symptom diary to identify personal triggers. Consult an allergist before eliminating major food groups, especially in children.
Eczema has a significant psychological impact that is often underestimated:
The eczema treatment landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with over 100 investigational therapies currently in development globally.
Amlitelimab (KY1005) by Kymab/Sanofi blocks pro-inflammatory T-cell activation. Phase II results suggest "remission-like" disease control — patients may maintain clearance even after stopping treatment.
BX005 by BiomX — a topical bacteriophage cocktail targeting S. aureus. Active against >90% of strains including antibiotic-resistant variants. Currently in Phase I/II trials.
Abrocitinib (Cibinqo) is being studied in children aged 6+ (Pfizer trial initiated Dec 2025). Next-generation JAK inhibitors with improved safety profiles are in development.
Research into probiotic supplements and topical microbiome-restoring formulations to normalize the skin's bacterial ecosystem and target the gut-skin axis to reduce systemic inflammation.
AI diagnostic tools can detect eczema severity from photographs with high accuracy. Platforms being developed to predict flares before they happen using environmental and biometric data.
Novel treatments focused on restoring filaggrin — a key skin barrier protein often deficient in eczema patients. Gene therapy approaches targeting filaggrin mutations are in early research stages.
Seek medical attention if:
With a consistent routine and the right treatments, most people achieve excellent control of their symptoms.
Be patient — finding your optimal regimen may take time and requires open communication with your healthcare provider.
With 100+ drugs in development, the next decade promises dramatically improved options for all ages and severities of eczema.