Atopic dermatitis in children

Research during the past decade has advanced our understanding of atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients and the transformative value of new therapeutic approaches. Central to these advances is the recognition that immune system is skewed towards type 2 immunity in the skin, which can be effectively suppressed with targeted therapeutics directed against this shift, particularly inhibitors of the IL-4/IL-13 pathway

and downstream JAK-STATs. This presentation will highlight new and emerging agents for pediatric AD, linking their action to the mechanism of disease. Decision-making about advancing to systemic therapy will be reviewed. Particularly for children, the safety of targeted biologics has been welcome, but the pain associated with injections is a challenge for many families. The approach to the family with a child suffering from moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis will be shared, highlighting tips and tricks for injections and other tools to provide comfort and encourage optimal use of therapies. When to use JAK inhibitors and their risks will be considered, as well as the concept that therapy may not be life-long when various systemic therapies are started during pediatric years, even in severely affected patients.