Back to search results

Observational Study on Skin Microbes in Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis

This observational study is looking at the bacteria that live on the skin of people with eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, and healthy individuals. Researchers want to understand how the amount of a specific bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which is often found in higher amounts on people with eczema, changes over time and with treatment. They will collect skin swabs, tape strips (to measure skin barrier function), and blood samples. Some adults may also have an optional skin biopsy. The study aims to understand the role of S. aureus and other skin bacteria in these conditions and how they respond to standard treatments. This study is open to individuals aged 13 and older who can understand English.

Study design
This is an observational study planning to enroll 240 participants, including those with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and healthy individuals.
What's involved
Participants will have skin swabs, tape stripping, and transepidermal water loss measurements. Blood serum will be collected, and adults may have an optional biopsy.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoint, measuring S. aureus abundance, will be assessed over 1 to 7 years.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04170244

Skin Microbial Ecology in Atopic Dermatitis

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 13+Observational
University of Rochester
~240 participants
Updated 2026-07-14 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:AD subject visit sampling proceduresPS subject visit sampling proceduresHealthy control visit sampling procedures

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Abundance of colony forming units (rCFU/cm^2, and CFU/rCFU) of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)
Measured over year 1-7

Conditions

Atopic Dermatitis
Psoriasis
Healthy

Explore related trials

Atopic DermatitisHealthyPsoriasis

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
New York1

Who to contact

Dermatology clinical trials unit
[email protected]
585-273-4195
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

≥13 to 65 years of age (inclusive) for PS, ≥13 for AD and NA, male or female
Optional Bx sub study - only adults (18-65 yrs; inclusive only)
Able to understand protocol and give consent
Able to keep clinic/study appointments and comply with study related procedures
Must be able to read, speak, and understand English
Chronic AD, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Consensus Criteria (Eichenfield 2014), that has been present for at least 1 year before the enrollment visit
Chronic PS, according to the AAD Consensus Criteria (Menter et al 2008 (section 1)), that has been present for at least 1 year before the enrollment visit.
AD subjects: have active lesions on upper extremities, lower extremities, or trunk and a total disease severity of high moderate-to-severe (EASI ≥12)
PS subjects: have active lesions on upper extremities, lower extremities, or trunk and a total disease severity of high moderate-to-severe (PASI ≥7)

Exclusion

Unwilling and/or unable to complete informed consent process
\<13 or \> 65 years of age for PS, \>13 for AD and NA
AD subjects: disease without upper extremity, lower extremity, or trunk lesions
AD subjects: total disease severity less than moderate (EASI \<12), depending on enrollment
PS subjects: disease without upper extremity, lower extremity, or trunk lesions
PS subjects: total disease severity less than moderate (PASI \<7), depending on enrollment
Control subjects: diagnosed with an inflammatory skin disease
Severe concomitant illness(es) that, in the investigator's judgment, would adversely affect the individual's participation in the study (Ex: HIV infection, autoimmune disease, severe heart failure, Hx of malignancy (other than in situ cervical cancer or basosquamous skin cancer), etc.)
Recent bacterial, fungal, or viral infection requiring systemic therapies (PO, IV or IM) within the last month.
Subjects with a history of serious life-threatening reaction to tape or adhesives may be enrolled but cannot undergo Tape stripping procedure and will therefore only have a baseline TEWL measurement.
(For Skin biopsy substudy only) - Subjects with history of keloid formation or allergy to lidocaine.

What this trial measures

  • Abundance of colony forming units (rCFU/cm^2, and CFU/rCFU) of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)year 1-7

    The abundance of S. aureus, and other microbes of interest including, but not exclusive to, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species \[CONS\], and C. acnes present on the skin surface varies as a function of time and/or disease activity in AD and two control groups, namely plaque stage psoriasis (PS) and healthy, non-atopics (NA). Standard culture techniques will be utilized to measure rCFU/cm\^2, and qPCR for CFU/rCFU.