What is the Link Between Atopic Dermatitis and Asthma? With Eingun James Song, MD

Eingun James Song, MD, of Frontier Dermatology, spoke in a session presented at the 2026 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference in Nashville about the growing recognition of atopic dermatitis as a systemic inflammatory disease, with the session, titled ‘Connecting AD to Other Dermatologic Disorders and Related Comorbidities.’1

Speaking with HCPLive, Song emphasized that clinicians should think beyond the skin when managing patients with atopic dermatitis, particularly given the disease’s well-established links to other type 2 inflammatory conditions such as asthma, food allergies, and allergic rhinitis. Drawing parallels to lessons learned in psoriasis, Song noted that dermatology providers are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing comorbidities as part of comprehensive patient care.

“I think we've learned from psoriasis that even though this is a skin disorder, it is often associated with other systemic conditions, and to properly take care of patients more comprehensively,” Song explained. “We can't just be thinking about managing the skin, but also some of the other comorbidities that are associated with the disease.”

During the session, Song and fellow presenters focused on several of these key conditions linked with atopic dermatitis, including asthma, food allergies, and skin infections. The overall message of the talk, he noted, was that atopic dermatitis should not be viewed in isolation, but rather as one manifestation of a broader inflammatory process that can impact various organ systems.

A major focus of Song and his co-panelists’ presentation was the concept of the ‘atopic march,’ which describes the progression of atopic diseases over time. Traditionally, this model suggests that patients may develop eczema early in life before later experiencing food allergies, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. However, Song described the progression as not being universal, noting certain patients appear to be at greater risk than others. Those showing more severe atopic dermatitis and reporting a strong family history of atopic disease are among those most likely to experience progression to additional allergic conditions.

Song also pointed to data suggesting that earlier and more effective treatment of atopic dermatitis may alter the course of disease. He highlighted observational findings indicating medications targeting type 2 inflammation, including biologics, may be linked with lower rates of future asthma and allergic rhinitis. Although these findings have not yet been confirmed in dedicated prevention trials, Song described them as an important and provocative area of ongoing research that could reshape how clinicians think about early intervention.

From a practical standpoint, Song encouraged dermatology providers to routinely screen patients with atopic dermatitis for symptoms of asthma and assess disease control in those with an established diagnosis. Awareness of a patient’s broader comorbidity profile, he opined, can help to inform treatment decisions and facilitate collaboration with allergy specialists.

Disclosures: Song has previously reported serving as an investigator, consultant, and/or speaker for AbbVie, Alphyn Biologics, Amgen, Apogee, Arcutis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Dermavant, DermBiont, Galderma, Incyte, Janssen, LEO Pharma, MoonLake, Novartis, Ortho, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Timber Pharmaceuticals, and UCB.

References

1. Song E, Friedman A, Soung J. Connecting AD to Other Dermatologic Disorders and Related Comorbidities. Session presented at: 2026 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference; June 17-19, 2026; Nashville, TN.