Dr. Ahmed Over the years, eczema management has relied on a range of treatments, from simple moisturizers to systemic therapies.
With the advent of Dupixent, treatment options have been redefined, and new hope has been instilled in cases of moderate to severe eczema resistant to traditional options.
This article compares Dupixent with traditional treatments for eczema in detail and points out various benefits with real case studies.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, irritated, and itchy skin. It can take various forms, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and nummular eczema.
The most common type is atopic dermatitis, which is usually connected with genetic issues and an overactive immune system.
Common triggers are allergens, stress, climate changes, and irritants, such as soap or certain fabrics. Eczema is not contagious, but its symptoms can be devastating and long-standing; thus, effective treatment is essential.
The control of eczema generally involves an amalgam of identifying and avoiding the triggers, maintenance of appropriate hydration of the skin, and medication for controlling inflammation and itching.
Traditional treatments have remained the mainstay of managing eczema over many years but have generally been limited in treating more severe cases.
For this, the entry of Dupixent into practice becomes relevant as it targets the roots of eczema at a molecular level.
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Traditional Treatments for Eczema
Traditional eczema treatments range from over-the-counter remedies to prescription medications. These are all designed to keep symptoms under control and avoid flare-ups; how well they work, however, depends on the severity of the condition.
Topical Corticosteroids
These include anti-inflammatory topical creams or ointments applied to the affected area. These are easy to apply but only work in mild to moderate cases. However, Long-term use might cause skin thinning, striae, and tachyphylaxis.
Emollients and Moisturizers
Emollients are hydrating creams and ointments that restore skin barrier function. These provide symptomatic relief for all types of eczema and decrease dryness and itching. However, these are not a proper treatment as they do not treat underlying inflammation.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are oral medications to relieve itching. These improve sleep quality and reduce nighttime eczema flares. But these too, are ineffective for the treatment of inflammation.
Phototherapy (Light Therapy)
Phototherapy involves the exposure of the affected area to UV light in order to reduce inflammation. This therapy is effective for moderate to severe cases of eczema. However, this requires regular clinic visits along with long-term risks of skin aging and cancer.
Oral Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants include drugs such as cyclosporine and methotrexate that suppress the immune system. But these also do not come without a long-term side effect of kidney or liver toxicity.
Although these therapies are helpful for many patients, their limitations, including side effects and loss of effectiveness over time, emphasize the need for newer therapies like Dupixent.
What is Dupixent and How it Works?
Dupixent represents a breakthrough in biologic treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, and its indications were unanimously accepted and approved by the FDA in 2017.
Dupixent works by treating the overly active immune system. It does so by inhibiting the two key proteins driving inflammation, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13).
Dupixent is administered via subcutaneous injection every other week which makes it convenient. Moreover, it is safe with rare side effects associated with long-term use.
It has achieved phenomenal success in clinical trials, where most patients came out with clear or nearly clear skin in just a few months of its use.
Although highly expensive, Dupixent is definitely a game-changing medicine for people suffering from severe eczema who have failed other treatments. [Ref]
Dupixent vs. Traditional Eczema Medications
| Criteria | Dupixent | Traditional Treatments |
| Efficacy | It Targets underlying inflammation at the molecular level that’s why it is highly effective | Effective for mild to moderate cases; limited for severe cases. |
| Side Effects | Injection-site reactions possible. | Potential side effects include skin thinning, organ damage, and UV risks. |
| Convenience | Biweekly injections; no daily applications needed. | Requires daily application or frequent clinic visits. |
| Cost | Cost is high, usually up to $37,000-$50,000 annually without insurance. | Comparatively more affordable, but costs can add up over time. |
| Onset of Action | Noticeable improvement within weeks. | Results may take days to weeks, depending on treatment type. |
Dupixent Efficacy and Safety in Recent Trials:
Recent trials highly suggest Dupixent’s exceptional efficacy in treating eczema.
According to a study, therapy with Dupixent (dupilumab) for 4 weeks and 12 weeks resulted in 85% relief in eczema symptoms and disease activity compared to other treatments. [Ref]
Another study concluded that Dupixent showed promising results in treating eczema with positive DLQI (Daily Life Quality Index) outcomes. Moreover, the study also reported it to have a superior safety profile in comparison to immunosuppressive drugs. [Ref]
In a recent trial, Dupixent was proved to be safer with a reduced risk of side effects as compared to other conventional drugs for atopic dermatitis. [Ref]
Case Studies of Dupixent in the Treatment of Eczema
Some real-world case studies for Dupixent’s efficacy are as follows
Case 1
A 59-year-old woman with hypertension, anxiety, hypercholesterolemia, and multiple allergies presented with the palm-plantar condition in 2007.
With no history of atopic dermatitis. Previous treatments included topical meds, oral corticosteroids, and IL-17 inhibitors, but all were proved unsuccessful.
In 2019, a hand and foot eczema diagnosis was made and treatment with dupilumab was initiated. 16-week Dupixent therapy leads to better response with a reduction in disease severity. [Ref]
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Case 2
Another 60-year-old man with a history of respiratory allergies presented with severe palm-planter eczema since 2016, which was formerly treated with corticosteroids without any improvement.
In 2020, treatment with Dupixent was initiated, which led to a remarkable response within 16 weeks. The patient had continuous treatment for 3 years with complete remission.[Ref]
Case 3
A 22-year-old man suffering from atopic dermatitis since the age of 20. He was presented with palm-planter eczema in 2022, and in December 2022, treatment with Dupixent was initiated, which resulted in complete remission.[Ref]
Conclusion
Eczema management has come a long way, and Dupixent offers a transforming solution for those with moderate to serious forms. Traditional treatments still hold good in many, though they are seriously inadequate in more grave or resistant diseases.
The novelty of Dupixent’s intervention at the molecular level easily gives it a remarkable position. However, its high cost might not be favorable for everyone.
