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Interferon Gamma for Atopic Dermatitis

Topic Overview

Interferon gamma is a medicine that stimulates the immune system. It can reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis such as redness, swelling, itching, and dry skin. But this medicine is only used to treat severe atopic dermatitis that doesn't respond to other treatment.

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 Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology
Last Revised April 17, 2012

Last Revised: April 17, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology

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