•  
  •  

Interferon Gamma for Atopic Dermatitis

Topic Overview

Interferon gamma is a medicine that reduces the body's immune reaction. When injected under the skin surface (subcutaneously), interferon gamma significantly improves atopic dermatitis symptoms for 4 out of 5 people.1 A common side effect is flu-like illness during the early days of treatment.

Although interferon gamma injections are considered safe and effective for many people who have severe atopic dermatitis, they aren't widely used because of their inconvenience and expense. But if you have severe symptoms that have not responded to other treatments, injections are worth considering.

Related Information

References

Citations

  1. Boguniewicz M, Leung DYM (2009). Atopic dermatitis. In N Franklin Addison Jr et al., eds., Middleton's Allergy Principles and Practice, 7th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1083–1103. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Revised April 30, 2010

Last Revised: April 30, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.