The research team noted that those with moderate-to-severe AD require treatment options like methotrexate, phototherapy, dupilumab, cyclosporine, and oral JAK inhibitors like abrocitinib and upadacitinib.

Knowledge about ways to avoid exacerbating factors may promote cost reduction for AD patients. The researchers found that mild to moderate cases of AD in patients may be served best through greater information about AD flare up triggers, given that the costs of things like medication, provider visits, and work absences can add up. The investigators noted that in patients “with mild to moderate disease experiencing an AD flare, topical corticosteroids are the first-line treatment and should be started as soon as possible.” They added that if reducing cost is a concern for patients, then they recommend beginning with safe and less expensive medications, seeing how AD responds to them, and then escalating treatment if required. The investigators added that intermittent prophylactic corticosteroids or a non-corticosteroid medication for maintenance therapy may be preferable if moisturizing is not enough. In studies on newborns with high-risk of AD, the investigators noted that full-body moisturizing for a 6 - 8 month duration starting within the first few weeks of life for this group reduced disease instances significantly. The research team also found that prophylactic therapy through moisturizer use may reduce later costs for AD patients. They also used the PubMed search engine for AD guidelines, using a set of keywords to attain the necessary data: The investigators conducted their review using GoodRx and WebMD to ascertain drug prices.

AD is known to disproportionately affect children as well as minority groups. Myers and colleagues took advantage of available resources to examine the various ways in which AD patients can receive treatment and management with costs and limited means in mind. Their research team sought to explore the ways in which treatment costs for AD can be reduced given specific education and resources, especially with regard to underserved populations. Perche, BS, with the Wake Forest School of Medicine Center for Dermatology Research. A recent review illuminated the varying ways in which costs for atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment can be reduced for populations in need.

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