Atopic Dermatitis: Breaking Down Barriers to Effective Treatment

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that significantly impairs the quality of life of patients due to severe itching. Experts emphasize the importance of selecting treatments based on individual symptoms, particularly for patients with severe cases.

The Atopic Dermatitis Association is hosting an event on the 21st to commemorate World Atopic Dermatitis Day, with the theme “Atopic Dermatitis Day, Healing and Hope Together.” This event aims to explore ways to improve treatment options, including the possibility of cross-medication.

Park Jo-eun, head of the Atopic Dermatitis Association, highlights the need for personalized treatment approaches. “You can’t know what the effects or side effects of a treatment will be until you try it yourself,” he says. “Many patients have used treatments with high expectations, only to be disappointed by the lack of effects or side effects.”

Atopic dermatitis is often underestimated due to its non-life-threatening nature, but it requires active treatment to improve the quality of life of patients and their guardians. In severe cases, it can lead to various physical and mental illnesses, such as sleep disorders and anxiety.

Treatment strategies should be selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of factors such as the patient’s age, extent of the lesion, and severity. Since there are no clear research results on biomarkers, which predict patient responses to specific treatments, treatment approaches are currently based on clinical characteristics.

Treatment options for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis include immunomodulators, such as topical steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and antihistamines. Biological agents and JAK inhibitors have also been introduced, offering more diverse treatment methods.

JAK inhibitors, such as Upadacitinib (Rinvoq), Olumiant (Olumiant), and Abrocitinib (Sivinco), are known for their fast-acting and powerful effects. Abrocitinib, the most recently launched, is administered orally once a day, making it more convenient than injectable treatments.

However, the current reimbursement system does not allow for the replacement of JAK inhibitors and biological agents, making it difficult for patients to access alternative treatments. Experts emphasize the need for a more flexible reimbursement system to accommodate personalized treatment approaches.

Jang Yong-hyeon, insurance director of the Korean Dermatological Association, stresses the importance of personalized treatment. “Atopic dermatitis is a disease that requires personalized treatment depending on the patient’s condition,” he says. “One drug does not have the same effect on all patients. When patients show insufficient responses, other good treatments should be available.”