When is it Time to Change Your Atopic Dermatitis Treatment? | As Seen in Everyday Health

If your atopic dermatitis feels harder to control or is starting to impact your daily life, it may be time to reassess your treatment plan. From frequent flares to newer oral therapies like JAK inhibitors, understanding your options can help you take a more effective, comprehensive approach to care. Learn more about what might be the best treatment plan for you with Dr. Alexandra Bowles in Everyday’s Health article.

How can someone with Atopic Dermatitis know they need to switch treatment? 

One of the clearest signs that it may be time to reassess treatment is when flares are frequent or increasingly difficult to control. Especially if they persist despite consistent use of topical therapies and good skincare habits. If someone is relying heavily on topical steroids and experiencing rebound flares, that can indicate that surface-level treatments alone are no longer enough. Quality-of-life factors also matter. If itching is disrupting sleep, daily activities, or work or school performance, those are important signals that the current approach may not be adequately controlling the disease.

How do you know if systemic treatment may be the right choice?

Systemic treatment is often considered when atopic dermatitis is moderate to severe, widespread, or significantly affecting a patient’s physical and emotional well-being. If eczema involves multiple body areas, is associated with intense itch, or continues despite optimized topical therapy and trigger management, systemic options may be appropriate. This is not about “giving up” on topicals. It’s about recognizing that atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition driven by immune pathways that sometimes need to be addressed from the inside out.

What are new oral therapies that might be a good option?

Newer oral therapies known as JAK inhibitors work by targeting specific inflammatory signaling pathways involved in atopic dermatitis. These medications can help reduce inflammation and itch more directly and often quicker than traditional treatments. They may be appropriate for adults with moderate to severe disease who have not responded well to topical therapies or other systemic options. Like any medication, they require careful patient selection and monitoring. They should always be prescribed and managed by a dermatologist familiar with these treatments.

How are these integrated with other aspects of treatment like skincare and dietary considerations?

Systemic therapies don’t replace good skincare. They work alongside it. Even when someone starts an oral medication, maintaining a gentle, consistent skincare routine remains essential. It’s still important to support the skin barrier and reduce irritation. That includes regular moisturizing, avoiding harsh cleansers, and minimizing known triggers. Dietary considerations can be helpful, especially if specific food triggers have been identified. But, diet alone rarely controls moderate to severe disease. The most effective approach is a layered one that addresses both internal inflammation and external barrier support.

What are the potential side effects of new oral therapies?

JAK inhibitors and other systemic therapies can have potential side effects. These vary depending on the specific medication and the individual patient. These may include increased risk of infections, changes in laboratory values, or other systemic effects. This makes ongoing monitoring very important. A dermatologist will review a patient’s medical history, risk factors, and lifestyle before starting treatment.They will continue to monitor labs and symptoms over time. For many patients, the benefits in symptom control and quality of life can outweigh the risks.