Yejin Kim, Kinam Park, Moon Suk Kim
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, multifactorial skin condition characterized by impaired skin barrier function, immune dysregulation, and persistent inflammation. It significantly diminishes patients' quality of life due to frequent relapses and exacerbations. Despite advancements in therapeutic strategies, current treatments often fail to achieve long-term remission and are commonly associated with adverse side effects, including skin thinning and systemic complications. Polymer-based formulations have emerged as promising alternatives, offering enhanced drug delivery, improved skin penetration, and precise, controlled release mechanisms. This review critically examines recent advances in polymeric systems for AD treatment, focusing on smart polymers that respond to environmental stimuli such as pH, temperature, and inflammation. These systems enable sustained, site-specific drug release, enhancing therapeutic efficacy, minimizing side effects, and improving patient compliance. Moreover, responsive polymer delivery systems optimize therapeutic outcomes by targeting the underlying pathophysiology of AD, paving the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies. Challenges associated with current polymer-based therapies are also discussed, alongside future research directions aimed at overcoming these limitations. The continued development of innovative polymer-based systems holds significant potential for delivering long-term, targeted, and effective AD treatments. By modulating key disease mechanisms rather than merely alleviating symptoms, these advances are expected to substantially improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.