Treatment options for atopic dermatitis, commonly called eczema, continue to expand in 2026. The FDA approved Adquey (difamilast) ointment 1% in February 2026 for the topical treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in adults and children ages 2 and older. Difamilast is a topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor and represents a new nonsteroidal option for eligible patients.
Adquey (difamilast) 1% ointment received FDA approval on February 12, 2026, for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in adults and pediatric patients 2 years and older.
Difamilast belongs to the phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor class. It provides another topical, nonsteroidal treatment option for people with appropriate mild to moderate eczema.
The FDA describes difamilast as a new molecular entity and a topical PDE4 inhibitor.
Roflumilast, marketed as Zoryve, is another PDE4 inhibitor available as a topical treatment.
Its eczema indications have expanded over time. The cream is approved for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in adults and children 6 years and older, and the 0.05% formulation is approved for children 2 to 5 years old.
Roflumilast provides another nonsteroidal topical option for eligible patients.
For people with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis that is not adequately controlled with topical prescription treatments, dermatologists may consider biologic therapy.
Ebglyss (lebrikizumab-lbkz) is an IL-13 antagonist approved for adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kg with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis under the FDA-approved conditions.
Unlike topical medications, lebrikizumab is administered by injection and targets a specific inflammatory pathway involved in atopic dermatitis.
The 2026 treatment landscape also includes several established therapies. Depending on the patient's condition, dermatologists may consider:
FDA materials identify several topical classes used for atopic dermatitis, including corticosteroids, PDE4 inhibitors, calcineurin inhibitors, and JAK inhibitors.
There isn't one medication that is best for every person with eczema. Treatment decisions may depend on:
Mild disease may be managed primarily with topical treatment, while moderate to severe disease may require phototherapy or systemic therapy.
No. Current medications are designed to control inflammation and symptoms, reduce flares, and improve quality of life. Atopic dermatitis can be a long-term condition, so treatment may need to be adjusted over time.
The arrival of new topical and systemic options gives dermatologists more choices when an existing treatment isn't effective or isn't appropriate.
The fact that a medication is newer does not automatically mean it is better for everyone. A dermatologist can determine whether a particular treatment is appropriate based on the patient's age, eczema severity, medical history, and previous therapies.
Patients should also avoid starting, stopping, or switching prescription eczema medication without discussing the change with their healthcare professional.
The biggest new FDA eczema development in 2026 is Adquey (difamilast) 1% ointment, approved in February for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in adults and children ages 2 and older. Alongside newer options such as difamilast, dermatologists have topical roflumilast, biologic treatments such as lebrikizumab, and several established therapies to consider.