Eczema (atopic dermatitis) has been around since the beginning of man.  Since that time, most of the treatment concepts have been focused on topical treatment – creams, ointments, lotions, baths and more all to alleviate the terrible itching, dryness and redness that is eczema.

Injectable Medication to Treat Eczema

Times are changing though.  The first injectable medication to treat eczema, Dupixent, was approved the US FDA just over a year ago.  This medication is very specific in targeting the overactive immune system that is the basic problem of eczema.

While Dupixent was the first, it will fairly soon be joined by other non-topical medications to treat eczema.   Other injectable products that work in a similar fashion to Dupixent are being studied with the hope of FDA approval.

Oral Treatment for Eczema

We are all used to oral medications.  Aspirin or Tylenol for a headache, ibuprofen for your sore back, we all use them.  Well, oral medications specifically intended to treat eczema are coming as well. Apremilast (Otezla) is a psoriasis medication that looks like it will be effective for eczema too.  The FDA just granted “breakthrough” status to upadacitinib (UPA) to treat eczema. This means that the company that makes it has convinced the FDA that the UPA is so beneficial that the FDA will speed up its review of the data to make the medication available sooner.  Upa is a janus kinase inhibitor and this class of medications will have multiple versions showing up in the next few years to treat eczema as well as other conditions.

The Benefits of Oral and Injectable Eczema Treatment

It may seem somewhat unnatural at first to treat skin diseases with pills and shots rather than creams.  However, these medications are much more specific in their action and can have tremendous benefit in improving the lives of patients with eczema.   Patients have told us that once they get used to having an injection once every 2 weeks or taking a pill every day, they realize that it is far more convenient than spending literally hours in the bathroom, spreading on creams, getting it on their clothes and the bedsheets and so much more.

So, if you have eczema and want real relief, it may be time to move up to a systemic medication instead of just topical treatment.  You may very well be glad you did.

Eczema Treatment at California Dermatology and Clinical Research Institute

California Dermatology and Clinical Research Institute in San Diego is offering eczema treatment research studies. If you want to learn more, give us a call at (760) 990-1965.