RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Characterization of Chronic Hand Eczema

This study aims to understand chronic hand eczema (CHE) and atopic dermatitis (AD) better. Researchers will use non-invasive (gentle) tests to examine the skin and track changes over time in people with these conditions. They also want to see how these skin issues affect a person's quality of life. The study will involve adults aged 18 to 65, including those with moderate to severe hand eczema, those with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, and healthy volunteers. By comparing these groups, the study hopes to find out more about why these conditions develop, how they change, and how they impact daily living, ultimately leading to better ways to help people manage their skin.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Dr. Robert Bissonnette

Enrolment target

270

Start

30 Jun 2021

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2027

Chronic Hand Eczema Atopic Dermatitis

What is this study about?

This research study is about two common skin conditions: chronic hand eczema (CHE) and atopic dermatitis (AD). Chronic hand eczema means eczema that affects your hands for a long time. Atopic dermatitis is often called eczema and can appear on different parts of the body. The main goal of this study is to get a clearer picture of these conditions.

Researchers want to understand the different types of hand eczema and how they are similar to or different from atopic dermatitis. They will use special, gentle ways to look at the skin, like using tape to collect skin cells (don't worry, it's not painful!) and special imaging tools. They'll track how these conditions change over time and how they affect a person's daily life, work, and general well-being.

By comparing people with hand eczema, people with only atopic dermatitis, and healthy individuals, the study hopes to learn more about the causes and effects of these conditions. This information could eventually lead to new and better ways to diagnose and treat chronic hand eczema and atopic dermatitis, helping more people find relief and improve their quality of life.

Key takeaways

The study aims to better understand hand eczema and atopic dermatitis.
It uses gentle skin tests and scans, not new medicines.
It will track skin changes and how conditions affect daily life.
Adults 18-65 with moderate to severe eczema or healthy skin can join.
Information gathered could lead to better future treatments.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 65 years old. You must be willing to take part and understand what the study involves before you agree to join.

If you have chronic hand eczema, your eczema needs to have been present for at least 6 months and be considered moderate to severe by the study doctors. It also needs to cover a certain amount of your hand surface. The study is looking for people with different types of hand eczema, such as eczema linked to allergies, irritation, or other specific forms.

If you have atopic dermatitis (eczema), you must have had it for at least 6 months, and it should be moderate to severe. Your eczema also needs to cover a certain amount of your body, including a patch on your forearm. Healthy volunteers are also needed, and they should be in good general health.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Do you have chronic hand eczema that has lasted at least 6 months and is moderate to severe?
Do you have moderate to severe atopic dermatitis that has lasted at least 6 months?
Are you generally healthy and willing to be a control participant?
Are you willing and able to attend study appointments and follow instructions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be in the study for a period of time, though the exact length isn't specified. You'll have several visits where researchers will perform non-invasive tests. This includes 'tape stripping,' which involves gently placing and removing special tape from your skin to collect cells for examination – it’s not painful. They will also use imaging techniques, like special cameras, to look at your skin.

During your visits, doctors will assess how severe your skin condition is. They will also ask you questions about your work, if you smoke, and how your skin condition affects your day-to-day life. You won't be given any new medication as part of this study, as it's observational – meaning researchers are just observing and collecting information.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not directly benefit your health immediately, but the information gathered could help improve understanding and treatment for chronic hand eczema and atopic dermatitis in the future. The risks are very low, as the tests are non-invasive and gentle, like tape stripping which is not painful. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Innovaderm Research
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'tape stripping'?

Tape stripping is a gentle method where a special adhesive tape is lightly pressed onto your skin and then removed. It collects a very thin layer of skin cells for researchers to study. It doesn't hurt.

Will I be given any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve giving you any new medications. It is designed to observe and collect information about your existing condition.

How long will I be in the study?

The study involves tracking changes over time, so you will likely be involved for several months, with various visits. The exact duration for each participant is not specified.

What does 'non-invasive' mean?

Non-invasive means that the methods used in the study, like tape stripping and imaging, do not involve needles, surgery, or breaking the skin. They are gentle and cause minimal discomfort.

What if I change my mind after joining?

You are free to leave the study at any point, for any reason, and it will not affect your ongoing medical care or relationship with your doctor.

How to find out more

Ana Palijan, PhD

apalijan@innovaderm.com 5145214285 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.