Recruiting

How skin bacteria change with eczema and psoriasis treatment

Plain-English translation of NCT04170244 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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What is this trial?

Researchers want to understand how bacteria on the skin of people with eczema and psoriasis change over time as they receive treatment. Scientists know that certain bacteria—especially one called Staphylococcus aureus—may play a role in these skin conditions, but they don't yet know exactly how treatment affects these bacteria or how they relate to getting better. This study will collect skin samples from patients receiving routine dermatology care to map these changes.

Even though we have good treatments for eczema and psoriasis today, we still don't fully understand what happens to the bacteria on the skin as patients improve. Identifying biomarkers—measurable signs that show who has high levels of harmful bacteria or who will respond well to treatment—could help doctors predict outcomes and personalize care in the future.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 13 years old (up to 65 for psoriasis patients, any age for eczema and healthy volunteers)
you have been diagnosed with eczema or psoriasis that has lasted at least one year
you have active skin lesions on your arms, legs, or torso with moderate-to-severe disease
you are able to attend clinic appointments and follow study procedures
you can read, speak, and understand English
you are willing and able to give informed consent

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a serious illness such as HIV, autoimmune disease, or a history of cancer (other than certain skin cancers)
you have had a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection requiring antibiotics or other systemic treatment in the past month
you have a diagnosed inflammatory skin disease (for healthy control volunteers only)
you have a severe allergy or bad reaction to tape or adhesive products
you are unable or unwilling to complete the consent process

What participation looks like

If you have eczema or psoriasis, you will continue receiving whatever treatment your dermatologist at the University of Rochester Medical Center recommends as part of your regular care. Researchers will collect skin samples (by gentle swabbing or tape stripping) at study visits to track changes in the bacteria on your skin as you receive treatment. Healthy volunteers will provide skin samples once to serve as comparison. The study is ongoing and will follow patients over time to see how their skin bacteria change alongside their clinical improvement.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 3, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York