Say Goodbye to Itchy Skin – Breakthrough Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis
Update Date:2025/03/05Views:209

陳奕先醫師

Department of Dermatology, Dr. Yi-Hsien Chen


On February 19, 2025, our hospital held a routine medical achievement press conference, where Dr. Yi-Hsien Chen from the Department of Dermatology presented the latest breakthroughs and innovative treatments for atopic dermatitis, bringing new hope to patients suffering from this condition.

Do you remember the well-known YouTuber Ah-Di, who once revealed his struggles with atopic dermatitis (AD)? Not only did it affect his appearance, but it also took a toll on his mental well-being. Now, AD treatment has made a major breakthrough! Dr. Yi-Hsien Chen from the Department of Dermatology at Tri-Service General Hospital shared the latest advancements in AD treatment, bringing hope to those suffering from this condition.

Understanding Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent allergic skin condition affecting approximately 10-20% of children and 2-10% of adults worldwide. In Taiwan, an estimated 2 million people suffer from AD, with symptoms like intense itching, redness, and skin flaking significantly impacting their quality of life. Beyond its effects on appearance, AD also imposes a psychological burden, leaving many patients feeling self-conscious, anxious, and socially isolated.


The "Atopic March" Connection
Dr. Yi-Hsien Chen emphasized that AD is not just a skin disease but part of the "Atopic March", which includes eczema, food allergies, asthma, and chronic rhinitis. These conditions are interconnected and may occur simultaneously, making integrated, systemic treatment strategies essential for long-term control.


Challenges of Traditional Treatments

Conventional treatments like topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, antihistamines, and immunomodulators often provide only limited relief. Long-term use can lead to side effects, and the relapsing nature of the disease frequently leaves patients feeling frustrated and hopeless.


Emerging Therapies Offer New Hope
Recent breakthroughs in understanding the disease’s mechanisms have led to the development of biologic therapies and small molecule targeted drugs. These treatments precisely inhibit inflammatory pathways, significantly reducing flare-ups with fewer side effects, bringing new hope to AD patients.

Dr. Chen shared the case of a girl who had long suffered from severe AD, with oozing lesions across her body. Prolonged steroid use caused changes in her appearance and personality, making her withdrawn and isolated. After a few months on biologic therapy, her skin improved dramatically, and she regained her cheerful personality—a testament to the transformative power of new treatments.

Call to Action
Dr. Chen urges AD patients to seek early medical advice and follow professional treatment recommendations. Patients should adhere to medication and skincare routines while considering emerging therapies to enhance disease control. Although AD cannot yet be cured, scientific and personalized treatment strategies can significantly improve symptoms, helping patients break free from the "itchy life" and regain confidence.


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