Atopic dermatitis is a complex, multifactorial inflammatory skin disease resulting from the interaction between genetic predisposition, alteration of the skin barrier and cutaneous microbiota, and environmental factors.

Up till recently, the most effective treatment options included topical and systemic corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, and systemic immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine.

In recent years, the efficacy and safety of dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody which specifically targets the interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 pathway, have revolutionized the approach to treatment.

Better understanding of disease etiopathogenesis has led to the development of several drugs, in particular monoclonal antibodies and small molecules, directed against cytokines or specific receptors implicated in atopic dermatitis.

Additional studies are still needed to further investigate the safety and efficacy of these new drugs and, even more importantly, to compare them with the available treatment options for atopic dermatitis.