RecruitingInterventional

Keep Control of Eczema Study

The 'Keep Control of Eczema Study' is finding out the best way to use eczema steroid creams. Many people with eczema use these creams during a flare-up, but advice on how long to use them can be vague. This study will test if clear advice on how long to use steroid creams helps keep eczema controlled for longer compared to having no specific advice. It's an online study for people aged 1 year and older in the UK who use steroid creams for their eczema. Participants will be randomly put into two groups: one gets specific advice on cream use, the other continues as usual. Everyone will follow their group's advice for 16 weeks and answer weekly questions from home. The aim is to help people better manage their eczema.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

450

Start

15 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

08 Jun 2026

Eczema

What is this study about?

This study, called the 'Keep Control of Eczema Study', is part of a larger project aiming to answer important questions about how to manage eczema. Experts and people with eczema are working together to design these studies, making sure they focus on what really matters to patients.

Eczema is a common skin condition that causes itchy patches. Many people use special creams called 'steroid creams' to calm down flare-ups. However, advice on how long to use these creams can often be unclear, leading to confusion. This study aims to find out if giving clear, specific advice on how long to use these steroid creams during a flare-up can help keep eczema under control for a longer time, compared to not having specific advice.

By taking part, you could help researchers understand the best way to use these creams. This could lead to better guidance for everyone with eczema in the future, helping them to manage their condition more effectively and reduce flare-ups.

Key takeaways

Tests if specific advice on steroid cream use helps control eczema.
Open to anyone aged 1+ with eczema who uses steroid creams.
Participation is entirely online, from home in the UK.
Involves 16 weeks of following advice and answering weekly questions.
Aims to provide clearer guidance for future eczema management.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are aged 1 year or older and have eczema. You should also be using steroid creams to help manage your eczema flare-ups at least three times in the last couple of months.

It's important that you live in the UK and are willing to change how you normally use your steroid creams for the purpose of the study. If you're under 16, a parent or legal guardian needs to agree for you to take part.

However, you can't join if you're using certain steroid creams that contain antibiotics or antifungals, or if your eczema is only on your hands, around varicose veins, or only on your scalp. Also, you can't take part if you're already in another eczema study or if someone else in your home is already participating.

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 1 year old or older?
Do you have eczema (also called atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema)?
Have you used steroid creams for your eczema flare-ups at least 3 times in the last 8 weeks?
Are you willing to adjust how you use your steroid creams for the study?
Do you live in the UK?
Are you not using certain super-strong steroid creams like Dermovate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll sign up on the study's website. You'll answer some questions about your eczema and how you currently treat your flare-ups. Then, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups. One group will get clear instructions on how long to use their steroid creams during a flare-up. The other group will simply continue using their cream as they usually would.

You'll be asked to follow this advice for 16 weeks. During this time, you'll receive weekly questions via email or text message to fill out. You can also send in photos of your eczema if you wish, which will help the researchers understand how your skin is doing. The best part is that you can do all of this from the comfort of your own home, so you don't need to travel for any appointments. The study is expected to run from September 2022 to October 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some benefits, such as helping you understand more about managing your eczema. Some people also find it rewarding to contribute to research that could help others. While the study aims to improve eczema control, it's possible that your eczema might get better, stay the same, or even get worse. You can always use your usual creams and treatments and speak to your doctor or nurse if you have any worries. Steroid creams are generally safe when used for short periods, but can have side effects if used for a long time without breaks. The study doesn't expect you to experience side effects any differently than usual, and if your eczema doesn't improve after two weeks of using the cream, or if you have concerns, you should speak to a healthcare professional. You are free to leave the study at any time.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

All recruitment will take place online via the Rapid Eczema Trials website
City only
-, England

Common questions

What kind of advice will one group get?

One group will receive specific instructions on how long to use their steroid creams during an eczema flare-up.

Do I need to visit a hospital or clinic?

No, this is an online study, and you can take part from your own home in the UK.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be asked to follow the study's advice and answer questions for 16 weeks.

Can I still use my other eczema treatments?

Yes, you can continue to use your regular creams and treatments to help with your eczema symptoms.

Who is funding this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

How to find out more

Eleanor Harrison

RapidEczemaTrials@nottingham.ac.uk +44 (0)115 8231600 Official trial record

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