Eczema. It’s painful, chronic and notoriously tricky to manage—or at least, it used to be. These days, there are a large number of highly rated skin-care products for eczema that repair and nourish the skin barrier. Today’s eczema treatments are so important for skin health. Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition characterized by inflammation, redness, as well as dry and itchy skin. The condition also weakens your skin barrier, making it more difficult for your skin to retain moisture and protect against the environment.
Ahead, we’re breaking down the most notable therapies to consider in 2024.
Featured Experts
- Elaine Kung, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York
- Janine Hopkins, MD is a board-certified dermatologist with practices in Southlake, TX and Monroe, LA
- Kally Papantoniou, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Melville, NY
Eczema Treatments: Then vs. Now
Then
“For decades, the management of eczema has relied on a combination of topical corticosteroids and emollients,” explains New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD. “While these treatments have been effective for many patients, they often fall short in addressing the underlying inflammatory processes that drive the disease.”
“Traditional treatments, such as topical corticosteroids and systemic immunosuppressants, have significant limitations,” Kung adds. Those limitations are “side effects, including skin atrophy and increased susceptibility to infections. Moreover, these treatments often provide temporary relief and patients may experience frequent relapses.”
Now
Skin Barrier Management
But times have changed and treatments have advanced. “Topical steroids are now actually the least common treatment prescribed for treating eczema, or atopic dermatitis,” says Monroe, LA dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD. “They used to be the standard for treatment, but our newer topicals are non-steroidal, safe for children and use on the face.”
As treatments have advanced, so has our understanding of the skin barrier and how critical it is to prevent and calm eczema symptoms. “Maintaining the skin barrier is crucial for eczema management,” explains Melville, NY dermatologist Kally Papantoniou. “Look for fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested moisturizers and gentle cleansers that focus on restoring hydration and supporting the skin’s natural barrier. For those seeking natural alternatives, ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera continue to be popular for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties.”
“Lines from Aveeno, La Roche-Posay and CeraVe developed for eczema are great options,” Dr. Hopkins adds. “These lines prioritize lipid restoration to reinforce the skin barrier and are free of the common irritants and allergens that can set off eczema-prone skin.”
Dupixent
Dupixent is a non-steroid medication for eczema that blocks two proteins that spark inflammation.
Dr. Kung calls Dupixent a “life-altering medication,” a testament to its effectiveness. “The development of cytokine-specific therapies, such as dupilumab (Dupixent), has revolutionized the treatment of eczema. By targeting specific cytokines involved in the inflammatory cascade, these medications offer a more precise and effective approach with fewer side effects.”
Dr. Hopkins offers an analogy to help illustrate Dupixent’s role in treating eczema. “When you introduce an irritant, you’re lighting a match in a system overwhelmed with a gas leak,” Dr. Hopkins explains. “That gas leak is the flood of chemical signals eczema-prone skin produces in response to a dilapidated skin barrier. Those chemical signals are what cause redness, itching and scaling. Dupixent was really the first medication to turn the gas off instead of just trying to douse the fire.”
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
Dr. Hopkins highlights even more eczema treatment options, such as “Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which are FDA-approved to block the inflammatory response.” These treatments are currently also prescribed for other inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. JAK inhibitors can be in tablet forms, approved for moderate to severe eczema, or topical for more mild cases.
The Future of Eczema Treatments
With so many eczema-focused topical options, treating eczema symptoms has come a long way. “The impact of these new therapies on patients’ quality of life has been profound,” Dr. Kung explains. “Many patients who have struggled with chronic, debilitating eczema for years have experienced significant improvement in their symptoms. They are able to sleep better, focus on work and participate in daily activities without the constant burden of itchy, inflamed skin.”
“By understanding the underlying mechanisms of the disease and developing targeted therapies, we can provide patients with more effective and personalized care,” Dr. Kung continues. “The future of eczema treatment is bright and we can look forward to a time when this debilitating condition is no longer a significant burden.”
