Atopic dermatitis (AD) care has expanded significantly in recent years, but for many patients, the lived experience hasn’t kept pace. What we see in clinic often reflects a familiar pattern: cycles of partial control, ongoing symptoms, and treatment decisions that don’t always match the true burden of disease.

In this webcast, Harrison Nguyen, MD, anchored the discussion with a case study of a familiar profile, focusing less on what we can do, and more on how we’re actually treating AD, and where that gap still exists. 

Key Takeaways 

Moderate on paper doesn’t always mean manageable: Measures like BSA and IGA don’t fully capture disease impact, especially when involvement is visible or itch persists. Head and neck disease, in particular, can carry a disproportionate burden. 

Many patients stay in the cycle: Topicals, short-term improvement, relapse, and repeat. Even patients who have tried multiple therapies may never reach consistent control. 

We’re often treating flares, not the disease: Care remains largely reactive, with treatment intensified during flares and scaled back once symptoms improve. 

What’s Changing 

Earlier escalation is being reconsidered: Waiting for disease to worsen, or for multiple therapies to fail, may not serve patients well. 

Stability is becoming the goal: Clear or almost clear skin matters, but so does consistency—fewer flares, less interruption, and less time spent managing symptoms. 

Treatment burden matters: It’s not just whether something works, but how much effort it takes to maintain control, for both patients and practices. 

Something to consider: Are we waiting too long to change course? 

This session set the stage for a deeper look at how evolving treatment options, like lebrikizumab, may support a more consistent, long-term approach to disease control. 

Please take a moment to share your thoughts in this brief survey. Your feedback helps shape future sessions. We’ll be continuing this discussion on April 14 with a new set of faculty—worth sharing with colleagues who may want to join. 

Learn more about lebrikizumab.