Expanding Oral JAK Inhibitor Options for Children With AD and Alopecia Areata

Lisa Swanson, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist at Ada West Dermatology in Boise, Idaho, discussed the future of JAK inhibitor treatment in pediatric dermatology and the challenge of health misinformation during the Elevate Summer conference in San Diego. Swanson emphasized the need for oral treatment options for younger patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and alopecia areata (AA), as well as the importance of providing patients and families with credible dermatologic information.

Younger Indications for Oral JAK Inhibitors in Atopic Dermatitis

Swanson said younger indications are the development she is most eager to see in the JAK inhibitor space. In particular, she wants oral options to become available for children younger than 12 years with AD and AA.

The number one thing in the JAK inhibitor space that I'm looking forward to is younger indications, — Lisa Swanson, MD, FAAD,

For children younger than 12 years with AD, Swanson pointed to dupilumab as an available systemic treatment option and noted that other injectable therapies are pursuing indications in this younger population. However, injections may present a barrier for some pediatric patients.

"A lot of kids don't want a shot of any kind," Swanson said.

Having an oral option could therefore offer another treatment approach for children and families who are reluctant to pursue injectable therapy, according to Swanson.

Earlier Treatment Options for Pediatric Alopecia Areata

Swanson also highlighted a need for oral JAK inhibitor options for younger patients with AA. As clinicians increasingly recognize the importance of earlier treatment initiation, she said age restrictions can leave pediatric dermatologists waiting to offer certain therapies to children who are already struggling with the disease.

I don't want to wait until they're 12 or 18. I want to be able to treat them when they come in to see me and they're struggling with their alopecia areata, —Swanson, MD, FAAD,

For Swanson, expanding treatment options for younger age groups would allow clinicians to address AA closer to the time patients present for care rather than waiting until they reach the age associated with currently available treatment indications.

Countering Misinformation With the Skin Credible Podcast

Beyond treatment advances, Swanson identified health misinformation as another significant challenge affecting dermatology practice. She estimated that she spends approximately half of her clinical time addressing information patients have encountered online or through social media.

"I find myself spending about 50% of my time in clinic just combating the misinformation that people have heard online and on social media," Swanson said.

In response, Swanson created the Skin Credible podcast to provide accessible, credible information about skin health. She said the podcast is intended to serve a broad audience, including dermatology clinicians, primary care providers, pediatric clinicians, patients, and families.

Lisa Swanson, MD

https://www.instagram.com/skincrediblepod/

Swanson encouraged clinicians to direct patients toward reliable educational resources so they can arrive at appointments with accurate information and questions for their health care providers.

"[Patients and their families] can go into their appointment with their practitioner prepared to ask all the good questions and armed with good solid information," Swanson said.

References

1. Dupixent [prescribing information]. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc; Sanofi-Aventis US LLC. Revised 2026. Accessed August 11, 2026. https://www.regeneron.com/downloads/dupixent_fpi.pdf
2. Litfulo prescribing information. Pfizer Inc. 2023. Accessed August 11, 2026. https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=19638