Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy skin. Dupilumab, a targeted biologic therapy that blocks interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, has been approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children. Additional biologic therapies, such as tralokinumab and lebrikizumab, are currently under investigation for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. The skin microbiome, which is the collection of microorganisms that live on the skin, has been shown to play a role in atopic dermatitis. Recent research has focused on manipulating the skin microbiome to improve skin health and reduce inflammation in patients with atopic dermatitis.
New topical treatments for atopic dermatitis are being developed, including crisaborole, a topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in children and adults. Patients with atopic dermatitis are at increased risk for comorbidities such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. Recent research has focused on improving the management of these comorbidities in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Recent research has focused on developing tools to measure the impact of atopic dermatitis on patients' quality of life and to develop interventions to improve quality of life for patients with atopic dermatitis. Ongoing research in atopic dermatitis is focused on improving our understanding of the disease and developing new treatments to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.