Atopic Dermatitis and the Medications Used for its Management: Impact on Ocular Health

Abstract

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions. AD is generally characterized by eczematous and pruritic skin lesions, although it can present differently between individuals. There are multiple comorbidities for AD, including asthma, food allergies, and ocular disorders such as conjunctivitis. Common treatments for AD include topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and injectable biologic medications. However, all these medications pose risks that may deter some patients. Ocular risks are associated with use of both topical corticosteroids and biologics, which presents an interesting challenge as ocular risks are also comorbidities for AD itself. We present a case of one patient’s history with severe AD and ocular disorders. Since ocular disorders were of great concern to her, she chose to treat her eczema conservatively with non-steroidal topical medications. Her eczema remained poorly controlled, and she subsequently developed eczema herpeticum. Once recovered from eczema herpeticum, she decided to initiate biologic treatment. With dupilumab therapy, her eczema cleared promptly and revealed to her how much her eczema had compromised her quality of life now that she had accepted the treatment that frightened her for many years. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(5):523-525. doi:10.36849/JDD.6179.