# Treatment-Resistant Atopic Dermatitis in Adulthood: A Case Report

**Authors:** María Laura Alvarado Fernández, María Luisa Alvarado Mora, Fiorella Apuy Rodríguez, Jessica Arias, Paula Vanegas Navarro

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.94667 · 2025-10-15

## TL;DR

This case report discusses a woman with severe, treatment-resistant atopic dermatitis and highlights the potential of biologic therapies for better management.

## Contribution

The report emphasizes the importance of early recognition of treatment resistance and the potential of targeted biologic therapies.

## Key findings

- The patient's AD was unresponsive to corticosteroids, methotrexate, thalidomide, and cyclosporine.
- Targeted biologic therapies may offer more effective and better-tolerated treatment options.
- Early recognition of treatment resistance is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

## Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing skin condition that often begins in childhood but can persist or worsen into adulthood, significantly impacting quality of life. We present the case of a 41-year-old woman with long-standing, treatment-resistant AD, unresponsive to various systemic therapies including corticosteroids, methotrexate, thalidomide, and cyclosporine. Despite some control with methotrexate, she experienced frequent flares and side effects. This report highlights the clinical challenges and therapeutic considerations in managing chronic, treatment-resistant AD. It also shows the potential of targeted biologic therapies as more effective and better-tolerated alternatives. Early recognition of treatment resistance is crucial to improving patient outcomes.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** methotrexate (PubChem CID 4112), thalidomide (PubChem CID 5426), cyclosporine (PubChem CID 5284373)
- **Diseases:** atopic dermatitis (MONDO:0004980)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** AD (MESH:D003876), skin condition (MESH:D012871)
- **Chemicals:** thalidomide (MESH:D013792), methotrexate (MESH:D008727), cyclosporine (MESH:D016572)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12618110/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12618110