Managing Moderate Atopic Dermatitis with Rinvoq | Village Dermatology Katy & Houston, TX

Written By Honey Cisneros

By: Dr. Caroline Vaughn
Introduction

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) can persist well into adulthood, impacting both comfort and confidence. At Village Dermatology, we offer advanced treatment options like Rinvoq (upadacitinib), a JAK inhibitor approved for moderate to severe eczema. This case highlights the progress of a 56-year-old woman after four months of Rinvoq therapy.

Case Overview

Patient: 56-year-old female
Condition: Moderate atopic dermatitis
Treatment Duration: 4 months on Rinvoq 30mg daily
History: Atopic dermatitis localized to scalp, with persistent patches on neck, face, shoulder, and forearm

Treatment Progress with Rinvoq

The patient reported:

  • Significant symptom improvement

  • No side effects from Rinvoq

  • Ongoing use of topical medications only for small, resistant areas

📈 Breakthrough Symptoms:

  • Mild itchy bumps on face and posterior neck

  • Differential included breakthrough eczema vs. contact dermatitis

Updated Treatment Plan

To manage these residual symptoms and maintain control:

💊 Systemic Therapy (Continued):

  • Rinvoq 30mg daily

    • Monitoring risks discussed: infections, cardiovascular events, shingles, malignancy

    • High-risk medication counseling emphasized

🧴 Topical & Supportive Therapies:

  • Ketoconazole 2% shampoo – 2–3x/week for scalp and face

  • Clobetasol shampoo – for flare-ups on scalp

  • Hydrocortisone 2.5% cream – short-term use on face

🧼 Skin Care Counseling:

  • Lukewarm water bathing

  • Gentle cleansers (unscented)

  • Moisturizing 2–3 times daily

  • Avoiding scented detergents, handwashing, and scratching

Patient Education

We provided detailed counseling about:

  • Rinvoq safety: infection risks, cardiovascular monitoring, and need for regular lab testing

  • Flare-up triggers: stress, seasonal changes, irritants

  • When to call: if symptoms worsen or signs of infection (e.g., crusting, yellow discharge) occur

Why This Matters in Katy & Houston, TX

Rinvoq is transforming the lives of patients with chronic eczema in areas like Houston and Katy, where humidity and heat often aggravate the condition. Our dermatologists provide comprehensive management, from high-risk medication monitoring to tailored topical therapy.

Follow-Up Plan

The patient will return in 6 months for a routine evaluation and medication monitoring.

Honey Cisneros
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