varanasi: Society for Eczema Studies (SES) hosted a continuing medical education (CME) program titled ‘Atopic Dermatitis Update 2026’, here on Saturday. The session focused on recent advances in management of the condition and brought together leading dermatology experts from across the country.The doctors said atopic dermatitis (AD), an inflammatory skin disorder, continues to be a major public health concern, affecting nearly 10% of adults and up to 20% of children globally. In India, its prevalence has ranged between 0.98% and 9.2%, with a noticeable increase attributed to evolving environmental factors. Experts at the session highlighted that AD significantly impacts quality of life especially in moderate-to-severe cases, causing chronic itching, sleep disruption, and anxiety. The condition often leads to emotional distress, social isolation and limits daily activities, while placing considerable emotional and financial burden on families.President of SES, Dr Sandipan Dhar, said atopic dermatitis continues to be an under-recognized yet deeply impactful chronic condition in India. Through initiatives like Atopic Dermatitis Update 2026, the goal is to bridge knowledge gaps, share emerging evidence, and empower dermatologists with the latest therapeutic advancements. The discussions underlined persistent treatment gaps despite the availability of conventional therapies such as DMARDs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine) and biologics like Dupilumab and Rituximab. Experts noted that challenges remain in achieving long-term disease control, effectively managing severe cases and addressing symptoms like intense itching.The CME also highlighted advancements in treatment options, including role of newer therapies such as JAK inhibitors like Tofacitinib and Upadacitinib, which have been approved by USFDA for moderate-to-severe AD. These therapies were discussed for their potential to offer faster itch relief, improved skin clearance and flexible dosing options tailored to individual patient needs.
