What question did this study set out to answer?

To offer practical guidance for dermatologists on prescribing and managing systemic JAK inhibitors for atopic dermatitis.

March 5, 2026Open Access

Mastering the Use of Systemic JAK Inhibitors for Atopic Dermatitis: A Dermatologist's Practical Guide

Key Points

To offer practical guidance for dermatologists on prescribing and managing systemic JAK inhibitors for atopic dermatitis.
Reviewed current literature on systemic JAK inhibitors and their applications in atopic dermatitis.
Outlined recommendations for patient selection and monitoring.
Discussed management strategies for potential adverse reactions.
Identified three approved oral JAK inhibitors for atopic dermatitis: abrocitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib.
Established the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors in treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and symptoms.
Highlighted risks associated with JAK inhibitors, including increased likelihood of cardiovascular events and malignancies.

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most frequent conditions treated by dermatologists. The therapeutic options for moderate-to-severe AD are rapidly expanding with the introduction of biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis). There are currently three oral JAKis approved for the treatment of AD, namely abrocitinib, baricitinib and upadacitinib. Although JAKis are rapidly effective for treating AD and its symptoms, they require careful patient selection and monitoring due to a side-effect profile which includes an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and malignancies, especially in patients with pre-existing risk factors. The aim of this article is to provide practical recommendations on how to prescribe, monitor and manage potential adverse reactions of systemic JAKis for AD, and to assist dermatologists in navigating various scenarios that can be encountered in clinic.

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