Atopic dermatitis is a recurrent inflammatory skin condition marked by pruritus, xerosis, and eczema-like lesions. While it most often begins in early childhood, it may continue into or first appear during adulthood. Its development is driven by interactions involving genetic susceptibility, impaired skin barrier function, immune system imbalance, and environmental influences.

Due to the highly visible nature of the condition, treatment and relief are beneficial to the patient's physical and mental health.

This atopic dermatits rundown is broken into two parts. The first part covers some of the most recent changes to guidelines involving atopic dermatitis. The second part delves into some of the more recent, FDA-approved treatments for atopic dermatitis.

Part 1 – Guidelines

The American Academy of Pediatrics most recently released an update from their initial 2014 clinical report on atopic dermatitis with some updated best practices and more modernized treatment options up to, and including, mental health in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis.

American Academy of Pediatrics, May 2025
Atopic Dermatitis: Update on Skin-Directed Management
Summary | Full Text

  • Bathing should be frequent (daily to every other day) and short, with lukewarm water and gentle cleanser.
  • Avoid products with added fragrance, dyes, or essential oils, as these are potential irritants and/or contact allergens.
  • Topical anti-inflammatories (corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, etc) should be applied once to twice daily to active eczema patches. Topical medications should not be mixed with topical emollients unless specifically instructed, as this dilutes the potency of the medication.
  • Moisturizers should be applied liberally to the entire body skin surface at least daily in patients with atopic dermatitis, especially after a bath or shower.
  • “Proactive” treatment with topical anti-inflammatories can reduce flares of recurrent AD.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology also fairly recently updated their 2012 guidelines based on new treatments and improved evidence synthesis methodology. The update is primarily for patients, allergists, immunologists, dermatologists, family medicine physicians, and pediatricians. 

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology/American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Guidelines
Summary | Full Text
The guidelines address five primary questions in regards to atopic dermatitis management:

  • Among patients with AD, what topical treatments should be used to achieve optimal outcomes?
  • Should elimination diets (dietary avoidance strategies) be used for AD?
  • Should dilute bleach baths be used for AD?
  • Should allergen immunotherapy be used for AD?
  • Among patients with AD, what systemic treatments, including phototherapy (UV light therapy), should be used to achieve optimal outcomes?
Part 2 – FDA Approvals

In late 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two new treatments for atopic dermatitis. The two treatments were Nemluvio and Vtama. 

Nemluvio

  • Generic: Nemolizumab-ilto
  • Approval Date: December 13, 2025
  • Approved Age Group: Ages 12 and older
  • Approved for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 year of age and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in combination with topical corticosteroids and/or calcineurin inhibitors when the disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies.

Vtama

  • Generic: Tapinarof
  • Approval Date: December 16, 2025
  • Approved Ages: Adults and children older than 2 years old
  • Approved for the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.

Earlier, in 2024, another drug, EBGLYSS, was also approved for treating atopic dermatitis.

EBGLYSS

  • Generic: Lebrikizumab-ibkz
  • Approval Date: September 13, 2024
  • Approved Ages: Adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds.
  • Approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis that is not well controlled despite treatment with topical prescription therapies. 

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