For many years, the only treatments for eczema were creams and ointments to relieve the symptoms of the skin condition. People with eczema could also do their best to avoid triggering flare-ups, but there was no cure for the chronic skin irritation.
New Treatment
In 2017, the lack of a cure changed when the FDA approved the first biologic drug for eczema. Biologics are treatments derived from biological material from humans or animals. They are made up of sugars, proteins, nucleic acids, or a combination of those substances. Biologic ingredients are also found in vaccines, monoclonal antibody treatments, and targeted therapies for diseases.
The injectable medication dupilumab is a targeted biologic therapy that reduces the immune response that leads to rashes and skin irritation. The result is a dramatic reduction in eczema symptoms.
How It Works
Experts have discovered that people with eczema produce too much of a chemical called interleukin (IL). IL is an immune system chemical that helps your body fight off bacteria and viruses. People with eczema have too much IL, and it starts attacking their skin, leading to rashes and irritation.
Dupilumab works by blocking two ILs so that they don't trigger eczema symptoms. People who take it have less inflammation associated with eczema rashes. They also report having much less itching and discomfort.
Dupilumab is a prescription medication, and it has to be injected into the body. It's not an instant fix; symptoms such as itching don't start to fade for about two weeks after the first dose. It may take several months for your skin to clear up and for rashes to fade. Once it starts to work, though, people can experience dramatic improvement.
Researchers are continuing to look into biologic drugs for eczema and other health conditions. These targeted therapies show a lot of promise for improving people's health and their quality of life. If you think biologics for eczema might help you, talk to your doctor.
