Journal of Cosmetic and Regenerative Medicine

(ISSN: 3107-2933) Open Access Journal
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JCRM 2026, 1(2), 22; doi: 10.65381/jcrm.2026.01010022

Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors in Dermatology: An Update and Critical Review

1 Everkeen Medical Centre, Hong Kong
2 Madaes Medical Centre, Hong Kong
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 17 May 2026 / Accepted: 25 May 2026 / Published: 9 Jun 2026
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Abstract

Background: The integration of Janus kinase inhibitors into dermatologic practice has fundamentally transformed the management of complex, immune-mediated cutaneous diseases. Originally pioneered for rheumatologic and hematologic conditions, these targeted therapies have rapidly expanded into dermatology, offering unprecedented efficacy for conditions such as atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and vitiligo. However, the rapid proliferation of both topical and systemic Janus kinase inhibitors requires a careful synthesis of their evolving efficacy profiles, long-term safety data, and novel applications beyond their initial regulatory approvals. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed to capture the most recent advancements and critical evaluations in this domain. Studies published between 2024 and 2026 within MEDLINE, PubMed, and Ovid databases were systematically reviewed. The gathered literature was analyzed to extract data on drug efficacy, post-marketing safety, and emerging indications. All included studies were rigorously classified according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence (March 2009) to appropriately stratify the current clinical landscape. Results: Fifty-eight contemporary articles met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a diverse array of systemic reviews, pharmacovigilance reports, and clinical observations. The strongest evidence supports JAK inhibitors in atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata, where randomized trials, meta-analyses, and real-world studies show rapid symptom control, high clinical response rates, and acceptable short- to medium-term safety. Evidence is also substantial for vitiligo, particularly topical therapy for facial disease, and for chronic hand eczema with topical delgocitinib as an effective steroid-sparing option. Moderate-to-lower level evidence suggests benefit in psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory nail disorders, granuloma annulare, lichen sclerosus, autoimmune bullous diseases, scarring alopecia, and other refractory inflammatory dermatoses. Safety signals across studies include acne, herpes zoster, mild infections, laboratory abnormalities, and the need for individualized cardiovascular, malignant, and reproductive risk assessment before treatment initiation and during longitudinal dermatologic monitoring in practice. Conclusions: Janus kinase inhibitors represent a paradigm shift in dermatologic therapeutics, offering highly effective, targeted interventions for refractory skin conditions. Nevertheless, their optimal utilization demands meticulous clinical judgment, balancing potent immunological blockade against comprehensive, long-term safety surveillance.
Keywords: janus kinase inhibitors; dermatology; alopecia areata; dermatitis; atopic; vitiligo; pharmacovigilance
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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. (CC BY 4.0).
CITE
Lee, K.W.A.; Chan, K.W.L.; Lee, C.H.; Wong, T.H.S. Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors in Dermatology: An Update and Critical Review. JCRM 2026, 1, 22.
Lee KWA, Chan KWL, Lee CH, Wong THS. Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors in Dermatology: An Update and Critical Review. JCRM. 2026; 1(2):22.
Lee, Kar Wai Alvin; Chan, Kwin Wah Lisa; Lee, Cheuk Hung; Wong, Tin Hau Sky. 2026. "Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors in Dermatology: An Update and Critical Review." JCRM 1, no. 2: 22.
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