Environmental impact and immune responses in atopic dermatitis patients in Central Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa: A prospective study
About the study
Many patients in Africa also suffer from atopic dermatitis. Unfortunately, the inflammatory skin disease on black skin has been little studied. In our study, we want to find out how the origin of the patients and environmental factors influence the disease. To do this, we compare test subjects from Switzerland with test subjects from Moshi, a city in Tanzania. We hope that our study will provide us with new insights into various factors influencing atopic dermatitis, which may also contribute to the development of new therapies. Even if you do not have atopic dermatitis, your participation as a healthy control person is very valuable for our study.
Who can take part?
For a scientific study, we are looking for study participants who are at least 18 years old. Do you suffer from neurodermatitis? Or would you like to support our research as a healthy control person (without skin disease or allergies)? Contact us so that we can check whether you are suitable for our study.
Study program
The study will take place on two dates within four weeks at the Dermatology Clinic of the University Hospital Zurich (airport site). The first visit lasts about two hours, the second visit about one hour. If you are interested in taking part in the study, we will be happy to send you the relevant documents. During the study visits, we will ask you further questions about your state of health and allergic diseases. A physical examination is also supplemented by a few swabs and a blood sample. If you agree, we would also take small skin samples. If you are taking part in a study, it is important that you do not wash yourself for 24 hours before the visit and do not use any skin products (especially those containing cortisone).
What do you gain from participating in the study?
You will be charged CHF 70 for full participation in the study, incl. Biopsy removal compensated.
All data is treated confidentially. There is no medical benefit for the study participants.
If you are interested in participating in the study, you are welcome to contact the study team using the enclosed form. Please note that your data will be registered when you contact the study team. Your contact details will be treated confidentially and will be deleted immediately if you do not participate.