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People with diabetes, especially those with the type 1 form of the disease, are at increased risk of broken bones.

A key culprit seems to be a type of inflammation in the stem cells that are responsible for forming new bone. So a pair of University of Pennsylvania scientists tried a logical experiment in lab mice: blocking that inflammation to see whether the animals bones would be less fragile.

It worked, but something unexpected happened. The mice also developed scaly lesions on their skin.

It turned out that by blocking one type of inflammation, the researchers at Penns School of Dental Medicine had sent another into overdrive. The result was a skin condition called atopic dermatitis an often debilitating type of eczema that affects millions of people.

The finding could lead to better treatments for a condition that many struggle to keep in check, the authors reported this month in Science Translational Medicine, collaborating with researchers at Penn Medicines dermatology department and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, among other institutions.

In people with atopic dermatitis, the inflamed patches of skin are known to be a sign of an abnormal immune response. But to their surprise, the authors of the new study found that the initial trigger may come from skin cells that are not part of the immune system.

Its the opposite of what you would predict, said Dana Graves, a Penn Dental professor and one of the studys senior authors.

The primary role of these cells, called fibroblasts, is secreting collagen, which gives the skin its structure. Yet in the study, the scientists found that these cells also can secrete inflammatory signals called cytokines cousins of the proteins that the immune system produces in fighting infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

Both in the lab mice and in samples of human skin cells, the researchers found that with a bit of genetic wizardry, they could prompt fibroblasts to become dysregulated secreting high levels of a type of cytokine that would in turn recruit immune cells called eosinophils. These are useful disease-fighting cells in the right context but in this case, an apparent sign of an immune system out of control.

Peck Ong, a pediatric allergist-immunologist at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles who was not involved with the study, said further research in humans was needed before these findings could yield new treatments. Yet the study suggests physicians may need to think about this skin condition in a completely new way, he said.

This paper was very novel in terms of showing fibroblasts being a primary reason behind inflammation, he said. They showed that very convincingly.

At least 1 in 10 children develops atopic dermatitis, which is marked by itchiness and, in severe cases, an agonizing cycle of oozing, blistering, and crusting skin. Some children eventually grow out of it, but the condition persists for many into adulthood. And in some patients, it strikes for the first time in adulthood.

Steroid creams and other topical creams may provide temporary relief for some, but others must resort to periodic injections of customized antibodies to achieve relief. Such drugs cost thousands and are not covered by some insurers. They also can lead to unpleasant side effects.

The condition affects people of all skin colors, though physicians may sometimes underestimate its severity in Black patients and others with darker skin, Ong said.

The Penn study began more than five years ago, when Kang Ko, then a doctoral student in Graves lab at the dental school, was working with the diabetic mice. As dental researchers, they were drawn to the topic in part because diabetes can weaken bones in the jaw.

When Ko deleted a gene to block the inflammation that was thought to weaken the animals bones, the skin lesions started to appear a few weeks after they were born.

It had nothing to do with diabetes, as lesions also occurred when he blocked the inflammation in nondiabetic control animals.

It was quite confusing, said Ko, who has since become an assistant professor at the dental school. By deleting one gene, we were getting two very different responses based on what kind of tissue we were dealing with, bone and skin.

He and Graves wondered whether the lesions were a sign of cancer. They spent months trying to untangle how that might be occurring, looking for telltale signs in the animals bone marrow and spleen. No luck.

There were a lot of blind roads, Graves said.

Then Ko happened to attend a talk by John Seykora, a professor of dermatology at Penns Perelman School of Medicine. Ko and Graves enlisted Seykoras help, and the dermatologist identified the lesions as the mouse version of atopic dermatitis.

The team then brought in the Oak Ridge scientists, who used genetic sequencing equipment to identify which proteins were present in elevated levels in the mouse cells. The apparent culprits were a cytokine called CCL-11 and a protein transcription factor called CEBPB.

The team showed that these agents led to the recruitment of eosinophil cells, which in turn activated a type of immune agent called a helper T-cell.

Now comes the challenge of determining where to intervene in this complex cascade of events. Other scientists already have developed antibodies that inhibit CCL-11. But it is not clear if that cytokine would be the right target in treating atopic dermatitis, said Seykora, the dermatology professor.

In mice with the skin condition, this cytokine is clearly setting off an unwelcome tide of out-of-control inflammation somewhat like the storms of other cytokines that were blamed for dangerous inflammation in severe cases of COVID.

But any attempts to interfere with inflammation must be handled with care, as it plays a key role in activating the immune system against disease. In people whose fibroblasts behave this way, there is likely a genetic component, so the team is looking at other approaches to address the root cause of the problem, Ko said.

Were exploring some of the upstream events that could be blocked efficiently, he said.

Whats clear is that dermatologists need to think more broadly about how atopic dermatitis gets underway, Seykora said. Traditionally, it is thought to be triggered by dust mites or other antigens that penetrate the skin, prompting an inflammatory response from the immune systems T-cells.

As a result, patients often are counseled to use moisturizing cream to keep the skin barrier intact. Thats still a good idea, Seykora said.

But now it seems the inflammation may be triggered well before the involvement of any immune cells, instead getting its start with the fibroblasts.

Basically, people have been looking at the outside-in pathway, Seykora said. What we have here is more what we would call an inside-out mechanism.

Whatever the initial cause, the inflammation leads to dry, cracked skin, which in turn may allow more dust mites to penetrate. The end result, for far too many, is a cycle of misery.

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Penn scientists accidental discovery could change the way doctors think about eczema - The Philadelphia Inquirer

There is a strong genetic component to eczema, but rising case numbers in recent decades suggest that external factors may also contribute to the development of eczema in significant ways.

Research suggests that approximately 1 in 5 children and more than 1 in 100 adults experience eczema, making it one of the most common skin conditions around the world. Eczema is particularly prevalent among younger children, with nearly half of all cases developing within the first year of life.

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition that results from a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. In people with eczema, the immune system overreacts to environmental irritants and allergens.

Given the role of inflammation in eczema, factors that affect the development of the immune system in early childhood, including the use of antibiotics, have been of particular interest to experts.

In this article, we examine how antibiotics can affect the developing immune system and how this might influence a persons risk of eczema in the future.

The microbiome is the collection of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that live in and on the body. It includes bacteria in the gut, as well as those on the skin.

A well-balanced microbiome provides a variety of health benefits by:

The microbiome helps support immune development by training the immune system to distinguish the pathogenic microbes that can cause disease from the beneficial ones that support human health.

Disruption of the microbiome ecosystem, particularly early in life, can interrupt this training process and make it difficult for the immune system to recognize friend from foe.

Antibiotic use, for example, can disrupt essential interactions between the microbiome and the immune system by killing healthy bacteria in the gut and on the skin, resulting in the development of abnormal immune responses.

As a result, the immune system reacts to the normal microflora of the gut or skin, leading to chronic inflammation.

Researchers have linked exposure to antibiotics to inflammation that contributes to a variety of health conditions, including allergies and autoimmune diseases.

Given the inflammatory nature of eczema, many experts have wondered whether early antibiotic use may trigger the development of eczema, as well.

Overall, most studies suggest an association between antibiotic use and eczema. According to an analysis of 34 clinical studies spanning the last 6 decades, children who had exposure to antibiotics within the first 2 years of life were 26% more likely to develop eczema than those who had no exposure.

A more recent study involving more than 700,000 children from Sweden reaffirmed these results. It found that children who had exposure to antibiotics in the womb or during the first year of life were 52% more likely to develop eczema than other children.

However, not all studies have seen the same association between eczema and antibiotic use, and others suggest that there may be more to the relationship.

For example, some studies suggest that the timing of antibiotic use may be important.

A 2019 review looked at seven different studies that examined antibiotic exposure during specific intervals throughout pregnancy. It found that although prenatal exposure did increase the likelihood of developing eczema, antibiotic use during the third trimester did not affect eczema risk.

Underlying genetics or familial factors likely play a role as well. Many studies that have identified a relationship between antibiotic use and eczema have found that this relationship becomes attenuated or completely lost in sibling pairs.

These findings suggest that there may be one or more underlying factors that affect several family members and increase the likelihood of both eczema and infections that require antibiotics.

Therefore, an increased risk of eczema may not be a direct result of antibiotic use but the result of some other trigger that also increases the risk of infections.

Genetics are likely to play a role in moderating this dual effect. A recent study found that among nearly 600 children in China, those with a genetic mutation in an immune-related gene were over three times more likely to develop eczema after antibiotic use than those without the mutation.

If eczema is the result of the dysregulation of the gut microbiome, some experts have suggested that the use of probiotics may help control symptoms of eczema.

However, a 2018 analysis of 39 clinical trials found no association between the use of probiotics and improvement in symptoms in people with established eczema.

Additionally, in a randomized controlled trial of infants at high risk of developing eczema, the use of a probiotic during the first 6 months of life did not decrease the likelihood of developing eczema by 2 years of age.

Although current evidence suggests that probiotics are unlikely to affect a persons risk of eczema, studies have not directly examined the use of probiotics after antibiotic use. Some research does suggest that probiotics may help prevent other antibiotic-associated diseases in infants, though, so more research is necessary to define this relationship.

Probiotics are not a risk-free treatment, and it is best to consult a doctor before initiating their use, particularly for young children.

Eczema occurs as a result of a variety of internal and external factors that result in immune dysregulation and contribute to chronic inflammation.

Antibiotic use early in life may disrupt the development of the immune system and increase the likelihood of developing eczema. Other factors, such as genetics, likely modulate these effects as well.

If children who are already at increased risk of eczema or other allergic diseases have exposure to antibiotics, their parents or caregivers should talk with a doctor about how to reduce the risk of eczema developing.

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Is there a connection between eczema and early antibiotic use? - Medical News Today

Recent developments in the understanding of atopic dermatitis have opened up new possibilities for future treatments of the inflammatory skin disease.

New and upcoming treatment options may help you if your eczema doesnt improve with current treatment methods, like topical creams and moisturizers and anti-inflammatory medications.

The following are some of the newly available and under investigation therapies that will likely become the future of atopic dermatitis treatment.

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are a type of medication designed to help block the immune systems response. Similar to biologics, JAK inhibitors can help reduce inflammation, which can help improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

More specifically, they work by blocking cytokines, which act as messengers for the immune system. According to the National Eczema Association, cytokines are part of the cause of eczema, which means JAK inhibitors will likely play a large role in upcoming treatments for atopic dermatitis.

In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream for the topical treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. They noted that its for the short-term, non-continuous treatment of chronic atopic dermatitis.

In early 2022, the FDA approved two new oral options for JAK inhibitors. One approval was Pfizers Cibinqo (abrocitinib) for use in moderate to severe cases of atopic dermatitis in adults 18 and older. The other approval was Abbvies Rinvoq (upadacitinib) for use in moderate to severe cases in people with atopic dermatitis ages 12 and older.

In addition, current clinical trials are looking at other JAK inhibitors, including baricitinib. If approved, theyll give doctors additional options to help treat moderate to severe cases of atopic dermatitis.

Biologics are a type of injected medication made from living cells or organisms. They can help block the immune systems response, which can lead to decreased inflammation.

The only biologic approved for treatment of atopic dermatitis in people ages 6 and up is dupilumab. Several clinical trials are underway or planned to test the use of dupilumab in younger children as well as other biologics across all age groups.

Dupilumab and other biologics work by stopping interleukins that are partially responsible for atopic dermatitis. The immune system releases interleukins, which bind to certain cells to cause inflammation. BIologics block these receptors, so the interleukins cannot attach to them.

This process helps to prevent inflammation and lessen the severity of the condition.

In a recent stage 2 clinical trial published in 2021, researchers found that children under the age of 6 showed promising tolerance of dupilumab. They also found that the medication effectively helped treat atopic dermatitis in children under the age of 6.

Currently, another stage 3 clinical trial is ongoing for children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years.

In addition, several other stage 2 and 3 clinical trials are underway or planned for other biological medications for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. According to a 2021 review, current biologics under investigation include:

The clinical trials will assess their overall effectiveness in treating atopic dermatitis as well as their general safety and potential side effects in the general population.

Biologics can cause some side effects for some people. The most common side effects reported with dupilumab include:

Phototherapy, or light therapy, isnt new in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, but researchers are assessing the various types to see which one is the most effective form of treatment.

Currently, researchers are recruiting for a clinical trial that compares broadband vs narrowband UVB light. The researchers hope to determine which of the two types will work better for most people.

Researchers are also looking into the effectiveness of bathing additives for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Similar to phototherapy, bathing in different substances, such as bleach and oatmeal, isnt new to the world of treating eczema.

Researchers are currently recruiting for a clinical trial to assess the changes to the skin and microorganisms following a bath or gauze soak with dilute bleach and dilute vinegar. The trial intends to evaluate the change in skin barrier function and the microbial composition on the skin following the baths.

Targeted microbiome transplant involves using good bacteria to fight potentially harmful bacteria on the skins surface. In theory, the good bacteria could help destroy infectious bacteria often responsible for skin infections associated with atopic dermatitis.

A team of researchers is conducting a clinical trial to see how well this treatment approach could work.

Earlier research published in 2018 showed favorable results in reducing the infections severity as well as the need for additional treatment measures.

Recent understandings of the underlying causes of atopic dermatitis have allowed researchers to find new, effective ways to treat the skin condition. Some of the most promising new methods are JAK inhibitors as well as biologics.

Both these medication classes work by blocking the immune systems response, and both could play a major role in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in coming years.

Also of note, researchers are continuing to look at modifications to older therapies, such as baths and phototherapy, to determine the best options for treatment.

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Exploring the Future of Eczema Treatments - Healthline

Hives are a form of rash that can often appear when the body responds to a trigger. They can occur anywhere on the body. Hives are particularly common on the arms and legs because the limbs have more exposure to external factors.

Hives, or urticaria, are raised rashes that can develop as red or purplish spots or patches. The rashes are often itchy and uncomfortable.

Hives typically occur when mast cells, which are part of the immune system, trigger an allergic reaction by releasing histamine into the skin. Histamine is a chemical messenger that the immune system releases in response to an injury or allergic reaction.

Mast cells cause hives and control how long they remain.

A similar process known as angioedema occurs when mast cells deeper in the skin release histamine.

Hives can develop due to an allergic reaction to food, medication, or something in the environment, such as being licked by a dog or from non-allergic sources, such as infection or inflammation.

Individual hives typically go away within 24 hours. However, urticaria can persist for several weeks, even months. This can result in new hives appearing as the previous ones fade.

Hives can occur anywhere on the skin. They are particularly common in areas of the body that experience higher pressure, such as the waistline and the groin.

Read on to learn more about the causes, types, and treatments of hives.

Hives can result from:

Triggers cause the immune system to respond by sending histamines and similar chemicals into the skin, where they cause hives. Triggers can include:

In rare cases, urticaria can be a hereditary condition.

When hives have no known cause, they are called idiopathic urticaria.

If hives only appear on the arms or legs, they are likely the result of a physical trigger, such as extreme temperature, or a contact allergen, such as latex.

Learn about contact dermatitis here.

Urticaria can be acute or chronic.

With acute urticaria, symptoms go away within 6 weeks. However, when a person has chronic urticaria, the condition can persist for longer than this.

There are three types of chronic urticaria:

Learn about hives on black skin here.

Treatment options include over-the-counter (OTC) medication, prescription medication, and home remedies.

OTC options include antihistamines, which people can take in higher doses than doctors typically recommend.

If OTC medication does not work, a doctor may prescribe:

However, medication may not always be necessary, as hives can go away by themselves. Home remedies that can help to ease symptoms include:

Learn about ways to treat hives here.

It is not always possible to prevent hives from developing on the arms and legs, as around 50% of people with chronic urticaria never find out what causes their hives to appear. However, if there is a clear trigger, the most effective preventive measure is to try to avoid it.

Learn more about hives that come and go daily here.

See a doctor if:

Taking a photograph of hives before an appointment can help a doctor make a diagnosis, as the skin may clear up before the appointment.

If swelling underneath the skin accompanies a rash, a person may have angioedema. This condition can cause similar symptoms but requires swift treatment, as it can cause life threatening swelling that affects the ability to breathe.

Anyone who suspects they have angioedema should see a doctor for a diagnosis as soon as possible.

Severe allergic reactions can cause anaphylaxis, an extreme response that can cause a person to go into anaphylactic shock. Seek immediate medical attention if extreme symptoms develop.

Learn about the differences between urticaria and angioedema here.

Hives, or wheals, occur when the immune system sends histamines and other chemicals into the skin in response to triggers.

Urticaria can be acute, where it goes away within 6 weeks. Chronic urticaria lasts longer than this. The hives themselves disappear within 24 hours, but flare-ups may persist as new hives develop.

Physical triggers, allergic reactions, or medical conditions can cause hives, and they can develop anywhere on the body. The arms and legs are more likely to react to contact triggers, such as allergens, because they have greater exposure.

Hives can be itchy and uncomfortable, but they will generally go away on their own. Home remedies such as a cool compress can help to ease symptoms.

If urticaria symptoms continue, a doctor can suggest a treatment plan to help.

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Hives in common areas: What to know - Medical News Today

Image: Shutterstock

Red spots on the skin can be caused by a variety of things, including infection, a medical condition, skin irritation, or an allergy. Some red patches fade on their own, but others may require medical attention.

Because determining the underlying cause of skin disease can be challenging at times, it's a good idea to get a diagnosis from your healthcare provider or a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in disorders of the skin, hair, and nails).

This article examines the disorders that create red spots on the skin, as well as why they arise and how to cure them. It also includes a list of the signs and symptoms of a medical emergency, so you can seek help right once.

1. Heat Rash2. Cherry Angiomas3. Pityriasis Rosea4. Blood Spots5. Eczema6. Psoriasis7. Pimples8. FAQs:

Heat rash is more common in those who live in hot areas, sweat a lot, or are on prolonged bed rest.

Cooling the skin using home remedies such as cooling baths, cold compresses, loose clothing, and avoiding thick moisturisers that trap heat are all effective ways to treat heat rash.

Heat rash is normally harmless and goes away on its own after a few days. However, if skin injury develops, it might lead to a secondary infection. Antibiotics, either oral or topical, may be used to reduce pain and suffering in severe situations. If you see any signs of infection, such as a pale tint over the heat rash, flaking skin, or a pus-like discharge, contact your healthcare professional right once.

Tip: Use calamine lotion or cool compresses to calm itchy, irritated skin.

Cherry angiomas are most commonly found on the chest, but they can also appear on the arms, legs, and scalp. A visual examination is used to diagnose cherry angiomas, which normally do not require treatment. However, if the spots trouble you or bleed frequently, they can be removed. A reasonably painless removal technique employing lasers or liquid nitrogen can be recommended by your healthcare provider. Cherry angiomas are known to develop in size and bleed from time to time.

The exact cause of pityriasis rosea is unknown, however, it is thought to be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Pityriasis rosea is a type of pityriasis that develops after an infection and might include symptoms such as a headache, sore throat, and fever.

Pityriasis rosea is normally identified by its look, and it can go away on its own after six to eight weeks. To help alleviate itching and swelling, your healthcare professional may prescribe a steroid, antihistamine, or antiviral medication.

Tip: Take over-the-counter allergy medicine.

While blood spots are usually not caused for concern, they could indicate a more serious medical problem such as a blood clotting disorder (particularly if the spots are widespread). A physical exam and blood tests (including a platelet count) will be used by your healthcare professional to determine the cause.

Purpura patients have sometimes been prescribed steroids. Intravenous (IV) medicines may be required to treat a low platelet count in extreme situations.

Tip: Apply just one or two tablespoons to a cotton pad and apply directly to the spots.

Topical steroid creams, antihistamines, and oral steroids are all options for treatment (for more severe cases). To prevent flare-ups, experts recommend keeping the skin well hydrated.

Tip: Choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes.

Psoriasis can be diagnosed by looking at it and, in some cases, by taking a skin biopsy. Topical steroid creams, immune suppressant medications, and UV radiation therapy may be used depending on the severity of the lesions. Itching can also be relieved with cold compresses, moisturisers, and oatmeal baths.

Tip: Cover the affected areas overnight.

Pimples (acne vulgaris) are angry red spots on the face, chest, and upper back caused by oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clogging pores. Over-the-counter acne remedies can often be used to treat mild pimples at home. A dermatologist may be needed to treat a more severe form of acne called cystic acne.

Topical acne drugs, oral antibiotics like isotretinoin, steroid injections, chemical peels, and hormonal contraceptives are some of the treatments available.

Tip: Stay hydrated.

However, there are a few red flag symptoms that suggest an infection:

A high temperature, a strong headache, and a rash consisting of fine red dots on the arms and legs characterise infected people. It's possible that there hasn't been a tick bite in the past. Unless the patient is treated with doxycycline, the mortality rate might be fairly high.

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What Red Spots On Your Skin Could Mean | Femina.in - Femina

The not so stress-free routines have left many of us exasperated undoubtedly and it simply reflects on our skin. Apart from sun damage, pollution, etc, stress and anxiety could also be the reason for our skin issues. Sudden breakouts, zits and more are something that we have been dealing with for a while now. Parsing through the beauty aisle or choosing skincare ingredients lists can be incredibly confusing. Mostly, skin ingredients work according to your beauty needs and demand. And if you are looking for ingredients for glowing and clear skin for spring/summer season, fret not! As we have got you covered with our edit of best skincare ingredients that will give you a glow from within.

An absolute "it" skincare ingredient when it comes to fixing your beauty woes. Hyaluronic acid has definitely become a favourite ingredient for every skincare enthusiast for its healing and strengthening properties. It is also known to reduce wrinkles, redness and dermatitis from your skin, eventually giving you a radiant glow from within your skin. It also has anti-ageing properties and hence helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Known for its brightening and glowing properties, vitamin C has been a staple in many beauty routines. For those who are still not aware about the magical powers of this ingredient, let us tell you that Vitamin C acts like a shield for the skin, protecting it against free radicals, pollution and more. All you need to know is the right way to use it as it also helps to accelerate the production of collagen. It has anti-ageing properties as well, which gives a youthful glow and helps in improving elasticity.

A powerhouse ingredient that is a must on every beauty shelf! Known for its cosmetic and medicinal properties, argan oil repairs and heals your skin and protects it from sun damage. Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E and is infused with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that promotes a healthy skin build up, which eventually gives you a glowing and supple skin.

One of the most hyped skincare ingredients, retinol has been a mainstay in every beauty kit and for all the right reasons. Made with Vitamin A, it helps to neutralize free radicals and gives your skin a plumping effect. It not only clears out the skin but also fights free radicals, improves elasticity and tackles signs of ageing, thereby giving you a clear and radiant glow

Infused with hydrating and restoring properties, this ingredient helps to balance out the skin texture and makes it soft and supple. This is a magic ingredient that helps to soothe various inflammatory skin conditions including acne, eczema and more, giving you a clear and smooth skin.

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Best Skincare Ingredients For Glowing Skin That You Need To Try ASAP - NDTV Swirlster

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Feb. 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQT), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing meaningful innovations in immuno-dermatology, today reported financial results for the quarter and year ended December31, 2021, and provided a business update.

We executed exceptionally well in 2021, delivering strong Phase 3 plaque psoriasis data, initiating three additional Phase 3 programs, and commencing our commercialization efforts. We then capped off the year by receiving FDA acceptance of our NDA filing for roflumilast cream in plaque psoriasis and securing a $225 million non-dilutive loan facility to extend our cash runway into 2024, said Frank Watanabe, Arcutis President and Chief Executive Officer. We have strong momentum and expect that 2022 will be a transformational year for Arcutis, as we prepare for our first potential product launch in plaque psoriasis and progress our three additional Phase 3 topical roflumilast programs, as well as our early pipeline. With the strong team we have built and our financial flexibility enhanced, we can continue to appropriately invest in our mission to advance the treatment of chronic inflammatory skin diseases for patients and healthcare professionals.

Pipeline Updates

Roflumilast cream - a highly potent and selective phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor in a once-daily cream formulation, being developed as a potential treatment for plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis

Roflumilast foam - an alternative once-daily foam formulation of topical roflumilast designed to overcome the challenges of delivering topical drugs in hair-bearing areas of the body, being developed as a potential treatment for seborrheic dermatitis and scalp and body psoriasis

ARQ-252- a topical small molecule inhibitor of Janus kinase type 1 (JAK1), being developed as a potential treatment for chronic hand eczema, vitiligo, and other inflammatory dermatoses

ARQ-255- an alternative topical formulation ofARQ-252designed to reach deeper into the skin in order to potentially treat alopecia areata

Recent Corporate Highlights

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Summary Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and marketable securitieswere $388.6 million as of December31, 2021, compared to $286.0 million as of December31, 2020. Arcutis believes that its current cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, combined with its committed loan facility, will be sufficient to fund its operations into 2024.

Research and development (R&D) expensesfor the quarter ended December31, 2021 were $52.6 million compared to $27.4 million for the corresponding period in 2020. R&D expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 were $145.6 million compared to $115.3 million for the corresponding period in 2020. The year-over-year increase for the quarter ended December31, 2021 was primarily due to increased clinical and manufacturing costs related to the initiation of three additional Phase 3 topical roflumilast development programs. The year-over-year increase for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily due to higher headcount to manage our growing clinical programs, as well as increased professional services expenses.

General and administrative (G&A) expensesfor the quarter ended December31, 2021 were $18.7 million compared to $6.7 million for the corresponding period in 2020. G&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 were $61.0 million compared to $21.3 million for the corresponding period in 2020. These year-over-year increases were primarily due to higher headcount and professional services expenses as we prepare for commercialization.

Net losswas $71.3 million, or $1.42 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended December31, 2021 compared to $34.0 million, or $0.79 per basic and diluted share, for the corresponding period in 2020. Net loss was $206.4 million, or $4.18 per basic and diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $135.7 million, or $3.80 per basic and diluted share, for the corresponding period in 2020.

About Arcutis -Bioscience, applied to the skin.

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQT) is a medical dermatology company that champions meaningful innovation to address the urgent needs of patients living with immune-mediated dermatological diseases and conditions. With a commitment to solving the most persistent patient challenges in dermatology, Arcutis harnesses our unique dermatology development platform coupled with our dermatology expertise to build differentiated therapies against biologically validated targets. Arcutis dermatology development platform includes a robust pipeline with multiple clinical programs for a range of inflammatory dermatological conditions, with one NDA under review with the FDA and three Phase 3 clinical data readouts anticipated by the end of 2022. The companys lead program, topical roflumilast, has the potential to advance the standard of care for plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. For more information, visitwww.arcutis.comor follow Arcutis on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking" statements, including, among others, statements regarding the potential for its topical drugs in development to address large markets with significant unmet need; expectations with regard to the timing of data and regulatory events anticipated during 2022; and the Companys belief that its current cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, including the net proceeds from its recent debt financing, will be sufficient to fund its operations into 2024. These statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ include risks inherent in the clinical development process and regulatory approval process, the timing of regulatory filings, the timing and expenses of commercialization efforts, and our ability to defend our intellectual property. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties applicable to our business, see the Risk Factors section of our Form10-Kfiled with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 22, 2022, as well as any subsequent filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or update information herein to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.

Contacts:

MediaAmanda Sheldon, Head of Corporate Communicationsasheldon@arcutis.com

InvestorsEric McIntyre, Head of Investor Relationsemcintyre@arcutis.com

ARCUTIS BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC.Condensed Balance Sheets(In thousands)

ARCUTIS BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC.

Condensed Statements of Operations(In thousands, except share and per share data)

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Arcutis Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results and Provides Business Update - StreetInsider.com