When the weather changes drastically, it serves as a "flare-up warning" for atopic dermatitis patients. They may experience severe symptoms such as redness, swelling, rashes, intense itching, and excessive skin peeling, significantly affecting their quality of life.

A 17-year-old student, Xia, has suffered from atopic dermatitis since birth. Seasonal transitions cause severe skin peeling, and nighttime itching leads to insomnia, making it difficult to concentrate in class during the day. The constant scratching even results in bleeding wounds, distressing his family. This year, Taiwan has approved two new targeted oral small-molecule drugs, which offer precise treatment of inflammation, providing patients with rapid and effective symptom control and boosting confidence in treatment.

Atopic Dermatitis Is More Than Just a Skin Condition – Increased Risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease

According to doctors, atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease caused by the interaction of genetic, immune, and environmental factors, leading to "immune dysregulation." Among atopic dermatitis patients over 10 years old in Taiwan, 37% suffer from moderate to severe conditions with multiple flare-ups within a year, requiring medication for control. However, many patients are reluctant to seek treatment due to the limited effectiveness of traditional therapies, concerns about corticosteroid side effects, or external influences from caregivers, resulting in recurrent flare-ups.

Research has shown that chronic inflammation can impact cardiovascular health and blood sugar metabolism. An analysis of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance database found that atopic dermatitis patients have a 46% higher risk of developing diabetes than the general population. Moderate to severe patients have a 31-36% increased risk of ischemic heart disease, while severe patients have a 34% higher risk of cerebrovascular disease, highlighting the importance of long-term, stable treatment.Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent allergic skin disease (Image provided by Heho Health).

New-Generation Targeted Oral Small-Molecule Drugs for Precise Symptom Control

Traditional treatments for atopic dermatitis include corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. However, long-term use can harm liver and kidney function, increase infection risks, and cause flare-ups when the medication is discontinued. Many patients avoid continuous medication due to concerns about side effects, worsening their condition and falling into a vicious cycle of "itch-scratch-itch even more."

Medical research has identified specific cytokines responsible for atopic dermatitis flare-ups, leading to the development of advanced treatment options such as biologics and targeted oral small-molecule drugs. This year, Taiwan approved two new targeted oral drugs, which can rapidly relieve itching and improve skin symptoms while having fewer side effects, making them more acceptable to patients.Atopic dermatitis is also closely related to eczema, food allergies, asthma, and chronic rhinitis (Image provided by Heho Health).

Stable Treatment Helps Patients Regain Quality of Life

After using the new targeted oral medication, Xia noticed a significant reduction in itching within a week, and after four weeks, his skin condition improved dramatically. His sleep quality also improved, boosting his self-confidence and academic performance. He has now been receiving stable treatment for a year.

Doctors emphasize that atopic dermatitis treatment has entered an era of precision medicine. Patients should adhere to their medication regimen to reduce the risk of relapse. For those concerned about hospital visits due to the pandemic, oral medication can be prescribed continuously to minimize hospital trips. Additionally, patients should maintain good lifestyle habits, including a clean environment, regular sleep schedule, and avoiding smoking. Those with cardiovascular conditions should consult their doctors for the most suitable treatment plan to reduce the risk of complications.