Dupilumab and Other Biologic Treatments for Severe Eczema: What to Know

For those with severe eczema (atopic dermatitis), standard treatments like moisturizers, topical steroids, and antihistamines may not be enough. If your eczema is persistent and life-disrupting, biologic medications like Dupilumab (Dupixent) could be a game-changer. Let’s break down how biologics work, who should consider them, and what to expect.

What Are Biologic Treatments for Eczema?

Biologics are advanced medications that target specific pathways in the immune system to reduce inflammation. Unlike traditional treatments, which suppress the immune system broadly, biologics work in a more precise way to help control eczema flares.

How Does Dupilumab (Dupixent) Work?

• Blocks IL-4 and IL-13, two key inflammatory molecules involved in eczema.
• Reduces itching, redness, and skin inflammation.
• Helps restore the skin barrier, making skin less prone to irritation.

Who Should Consider Biologics for Eczema?

Biologic treatments may be right for you if: ✔️ Your eczema is moderate to severe and hasn’t responded to topical treatments.
✔️ You experience frequent flares that affect your sleep and quality of life.
✔️ You’ve needed long-term steroid use but want to reduce dependency.
✔️ You have eczema-related asthma or allergies, as Dupilumab can also help with these conditions.

Other Biologic Treatments for Eczema

While Dupilumab is the most widely used, other biologics are emerging:

• Lebrikizumab (in development) – Targets IL-13, similar to Dupilumab.
• Tralokinumab (approved in some countries) – Blocks IL-13 to reduce eczema severity.
• Nemolizumab (in clinical trials) – Focuses on IL-31, a key player in itching.

What to Expect with Dupilumab

• Administration: Given as an injection under the skin, typically every 2–4 weeks.
• Onset of Action: Some people notice improvement in weeks, while full benefits may take several months.
• Side Effects:
  • Mild eye irritation or conjunctivitis (most common)
  • Injection site reactions
  • Rare cases of facial redness or swelling

The bottom line

When assessed, eczema has some of lowest quality of life scores and is extremely frustrating and dispiriting for patients.  This does not have to be so: There is help for your eczema.

What are you waiting for?  If you or your child need help controlling allergies or if you think you need testing or treatment or that you might be a good candidate for allergy shots, Dr. Wendt and her team staff at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives would love to help. Call for testing or treatment today!

Call 480-500-1902 or request an appointment at https://relieveallergyaz.com/contact now!  Begin your allergy testing journey with Dr. Wendt at Relieve Allergy in Scottsdale, Arizona—It’s time to take care of yourself!

Learn more about Dr. Wendt and Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives at www.relieveallergyaz.com or connect with us: https://www.facebook.com/RelieveAllergy/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wendt/, https://x.com/RelieveAllergy, https://www.instagram.com/relieve_allergy/ or https://www.youtube.com/@JulieWendt-qx7jm.

Did you know? Dr. Wendt wrote the book on allergies.  Buy it NOW!

Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives is located near Kierland Commons, 21803 N. Scottsdale Road Ste. 200, and has convenient evening and morning hours to accommodate your schedule. Dr. Wendt is also available for telemedicine appointments as appropriate. Most insurance plans are accepted.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not meant to substitute for medical care by an Allergist-Immunologist nor is it intended to provide medical advice or imply a Physician-Patient relationship with its readers or their family. It is intended to provide guidance, direction, and moral support from someone experienced in testing and treating allergies. This is also not meant to be a “do-it-yourself” manual or a “how to” overcome your allergies. Some of the issues mentioned, whether allergic or look-a-like, can be dangerous or if left unchecked, deadly. Please develop a relationship with a Physician you trust to help you with diagnosis, advice, questions, and treatment regarding your and your family’s medical conditions.