What studies in this area look at
Eczema and psoriasis research tests creams, tablets and injections, often in people whose skin has not cleared with what they already use. Acne and hives studies follow a similar pattern over a shorter time.
Because skin can be photographed, many studies record progress with pictures at each visit, and some let you send them from home.
Who often takes part
Each study sets its own rules, so this is a picture of the kinds of people these studies tend to ask for, not a checklist.
- Adults and children with eczema
- People with psoriasis, on the skin, scalp or nails
- People with acne that has not settled with usual treatment
- People with hives that keep coming back
What taking part can involve
Visits vary from study to study. These are among the things the team may ask of you:
- A skin check by a dermatologist at each visit
- Photographs of the affected areas
- Questions about itch, sleep and how you feel
- Blood tests in studies of tablets or injections
Questions worth asking
Alongside the general questions for any study, these come up often in this area:
- Can I keep using my moisturiser and usual creams?
- Who sees the photographs, and how are they stored?
- What happens to my skin when the study treatment stops?