In a new discussion with HCPLive, Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, chief of pediatric and adolescent dermatology at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego, touched on recent approvals and emerging data in the atopic dermatitis.1,2
In his interview with HCPLive, treatments for pediatric atopic dermatitis were highlighted alongside new insights in the field, continuing Eichenfield’s discussion of his 2026 Maui Derm Conference session, ‘Atopic Dermatitis and Itch Update 2026.’
What New Topical Treatments Are Available for Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis?
Eichenfield highlighted several nonsteroidal topical therapies recently extended to younger patients, including ruxolitinib cream, now approved down to age 2 with a maximum 20% body surface area limitation, and tapinarof cream, also approved down to age 2 with strong efficacy data.
He noted that roflumilast cream is approved in a 0.15% concentration for patients 6 and older and a .05% concentration for children ages 2 - 5, with newly presented infant data in patients as young as 3 months showing promising results, including improvement in scalp involvement, though it remains unapproved in that age group.
He said the most significant development is not any single agent but the expanding availability of nonsteroidal options overall, given how often families express concern, often unfounded, about topical steroid use. Eichenfield also noted a continued need for new topical agents with strong safety and tolerability in children younger than 2, an age group historically underserved by nonsteroidal treatments.
Which Systemic Therapies Are Emerging for Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis?
Eichenfield said the systemic treatment landscape for pediatric atopic dermatitis is expanding as well. Dupilumab remains the only biologic approved for children under 12, with multiyear data suggesting it may reduce development of comorbidities.
He pointed to new data on nemolizumab in patients ages 2 - 11 and completed placebo-controlled trials of lebrikizumab spanning ages 6 months to 17 years, both showing favorable outcomes in younger populations. Eichenfield said these findings raise questions about how differently targeted agents may compare with dupilumab in younger children, particularly regarding comorbidity prevention and dosing frequency, an area he expects to become clearer within the next year or two.
Disclosures: Eichenfield previously reported receiving personal fees from Pfizer Inc; grant funding from AbbVie, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Bausch + Lomb, Castle Biosciences, Dermavant Sciences Inc, Galderma SA, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron, and Sanofi SA and consulting for ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie, Almirall, SA, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc, Dermavant Sciences Inc, Galderma SA, Incyte Corporation, LEO Pharma A/S, Eli Lilly and Company, Ortho Dermatologics, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, Sanofi SA, and UCB; and serving on the board of directors of Forté Pharma.
References
Silverberg J, Chovatiya R, Eichenfield L. Atopic Dermatitis and Pruritus: Current Concepts and Therapeutics for 2026. Presented at the 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii Conference, January 25-29.
