How To Treat Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the skin. Treatment for atopic dermatitis may include a wide variety of options. First, we can find topical medications. these are applied directly to the skin and include corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and moisturizers. Next, we have oral medications: These are taken by mouth and may include antihistamines to reduce itching and systemic corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Another treatment that does not consist in taking medications is phototherapy. This treatment exposes the skin to specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation and improve skin appearance.
There are also some non-medical treatments that can be implemented right away by patients. Allergen avoidance is one of them. The easiest way to fight your atopic dermatitis consists in identifying and avoiding triggers that cause flare-ups of atopic dermatitis. Patients can also implement wet wrap therapy, which is done by applying a moisturizer to the skin, then covering the skin with a wet bandage to lock in moisture and reduce inflammation.
A new type of medication, called biologics, is being developed or has been approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Some of the best examples are Dupilumab, Lebrikizumab, Tralokinumab, and Fostamatinib. Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, two proteins that play a role in the inflammation seen in atopic dermatitis. Dupilumab has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of atopic dermatitis and has received FDA approval. Lebrikizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-13, and is being studied for its potential use in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Tralokinumab is also a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-13 and has shown promising results in clinical trials for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Lastly, Fostamatinib is a small molecule inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) and is being studied for its potential use in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
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