The effect of topically applied corticosteroids on interleukin 1β levels in patients with atopic dermatitis

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic recurrent disease of childhood. The therapeutics of AD needs to be more tailored given the new cytokine antibodies available. In this scenario we considered interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β) levels before and after therapy with topical corticosteroids. Objectives To measure the IL‐1β levels before and after treatment in patients with AD after 75% improvement in scoring for atopic dermatitis index. Methods Forty‐five subjects with AD were treated with betamethasone ointment and their IL‐1β level was measured prior to and following treatment. Results The IL‐1β levels were raised during disease activity and following improvement they decreased in a statistically significant manner. Also the IL‐1β levels corresponded with the severity of disease activity. Conclusions Newer modalities of therapy in the form of cytokine monoclonal antibodies should be studied in a larger scale in AD.