Less inflammation
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Biologics for atopic dermatitis
Treatment guide:
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Treatment guide:
Benefits for mental well-being
Injection site reactions
Eyelid or eye inflammation
Risk of infections
High level of white blood cells
Biologics for atopic dermatitis block the action
of certain cytokines, which are proteins in the immune system. This helps reduce inflammation in the skin, which may reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis symptoms and the area of skin that symptoms affect. It may take several weeks or longer for biologics to have a noticeable effect. They appear to work better for some people than for others and sometimes get less effective over time.
A 2022 review found that treating atopic dermatitis with biologics may help improve sleep and quality of life and reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Injections of biologics may cause fear or other challenging emotions in people with needle phobia or anxiety about treatment. A doctor can share tips for making the injections easier or more comfortable.
People receive biologics for atopic dermatitis as injections under the skin. This can cause injection site reactions, such as swelling, itching, or pain. These symptoms usually are mild and improve on their own. Sometimes, an infection develops at the injection site and requires treatment. Possible signs of infection include fever, warm skin, pus, or symptoms that last more than a couple of days, worsen, or spread.
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a common side effect of biologics for atopic dermatitis. It is inflammation that affects the inner surface of the eyelid or the surface of the white part of the eye. It may cause swelling, redness, itching, or discomfort. Most cases are mild to moderate and resolve on their own.
Some biologics for atopic dermatitis may increase the risk of certain infections, such as herpes virus infections or upper respiratory tract infections. Herpes simplex infections can cause cold sores. Upper respiratory infections can cause symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and sore throat. Taking biologics may reduce the risk of skin infections, which are a common complication of atopic dermatitis.
Some people who take biologics for atopic dermatitis develop eosinophilia. This happens when the body produces too many eosinophils,
a type of white blood cell. It often causes no noticeable symptoms and may not require treatment. It can sometimes cause symptoms
such as fever, chills, muscle pain, or joint pain. Symptoms can vary due to the underlying cause
of the high levels of white blood cells.
