Systemic Janus kinase inhibitors in inflammatory dermatoses: A primer for general practitioners.

BACKGROUND

General practitioners (GPs) are increasingly encountering patients treated with novel disease-modifying systemic treatments for chronic inflammatory conditions. The Janus kinase (JAK) signalling pathway has been strongly implicated as a key mediator in a broad cohort of chronic inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and, more recently, selective small molecule JAK signalling inhibitors have been used to treat inflammatory dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis and have led to promising outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review will discuss the role of JAK/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signalling in atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

DISCUSSION: A better understanding of the risks and benefits of JAK inhibitors, along with the recommended monitoring guidelines, will result in improved patient outcomes.