Atopic dermatitis, eczema, is a chronic skin condition that requires treatment and management over time. There is no cure for eczema at the moment. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have recently gone through clinical trials to treat atopic dermatitis. JAK inhibitors are topical creams that can treat mild-to-moderate eczema. There are also oral JAK inhibitors available.
JAK inhibitors close off overactive JAK pathways to limit the cytokines which are responsible for triggering your eczema symptoms. JAK inhibitors block nerve itch signals and also help reduce inflammation. They work quickly and can provide fast relief.
Oral JAK inhibitors are best for treating moderate to severe eczema and include:
- Abrocitinib
- Upadacitinib
- Baricitinib
- Gusacitinib
For more localized eczema, emerging topical JAK inhibitors can provide rapid itch relief and reduced inflammation. They are:
- Ruxolitinib
- Deglocitinib
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did issue a warning, though, for some oral JAK inhibitors for people who had preexisting risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
JAK inhibitors have undergone over 20 years of research and have been used for other conditions. Now, researchers believe they could be used to help relieve and control eczema. This is a breakthrough for people suffering from atopic dermatitis, especially if you haven’t found relief with other treatments.
The benefits of JAK inhibitors include:
- Reduced itch in the first few hours of topical treatment
- Reduced itch in the first three days of oral therapy
- Achievement of almost clear to clear skin
- Better eczema areas that include less redness, thickness, and markings
Potential side effects to watch for include:
- Nausea
- Nasal passage swelling
- Swelling in the back of your throat
- Headache
- Upper respiratory tract infections
Talk to your doctor if you're interested in trying JAK inhibitors for your eczema. This treatment is typically used in severe cases, so if no other treatment is working for you, it might be time to try an oral or topical JAK inhibitor.
