Studying Skin Biomarkers Using a Gentle Micro-Suction Device to Understand Eczema in Babies Up to 6 Months Old

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand eczema in babies by studying chemical signals in the skins interstitial fluid. It focuses on comparing immune signals in healthy babies and those with eczema to identify the causes of skin inflammation and find new ways to prevent and treat the condition. The study involves babies up to 6 months old, including both healthy babies and those with eczema. Babies will have a small amount of skin fluid collected using a gentle, painless micro-suction device that does not cause discomfort or skin damage. Researchers will analyze these samples to compare chemical markers and immune signals in healthy skin and eczema-affected skin. Additional samples like skin swabs and tape strips will be collected to study the skin microbiome, and skin barrier function will be measured using a non-invasive method called transepidermal water loss TEWL. Participants attend one visit lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours, during which medical history, skin care practices, and eczema severity if applicable will be recorded. Researchers will measure inflammatory cytokine levels in the skin fluid, assess skin moisture retention, and evaluate tolerability of the device. This study helps improve understanding of eczema by examining skin immune signals and microbiome profiles in babies.

Cutaneous Biomarkers in Atopic Eczema Using a Non-Invasive Micro-Suction Device in Babies