~5 spots leftby Apr 2026

Bleach Bath Treatment of Adults With Atopic Dermatitis

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Overseen byLisa Beck, MD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Waitlist Available
Sponsor: University of Rochester
No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This is pilot, mechanistic study to address whether bleach baths given to adult subjects with atopic dermatitis or eczema, who are colonized with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, will significantly alter their skin microbiome and in so doing improve their skin barrier, diminish expression of inflammatory proteins in the skin and improve itch. To answer these questions the investigators will perform a 3-month, pilot, investigator-initiated, single-center, open-label clinical study. This study will allow us to test the following hypothesis: 1) that bleach baths will normalize skin barrier function, 2) that bleach baths will diminish the local inflammatory response in the skin, and 3) that bleach baths will improve validated measures of itch (also called pruritus).

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Moderate to severe Atopic dermatitis: Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score ≥ 10.
Skin culture positive for Staphylococcus aureus
Must have active skin disease on the day of enrollment.

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Bleach Bath (Sodium Hypochlorite) (Anti-microbial)
Participant Groups
1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Dilute bleach bathExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Subjects will take a diluted bleach bath (0.005% Sodium hypochlorite) for 5-10 minutes twice a week for 12 weeks.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
University of Rochester Medical CenterRochester, NY
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of RochesterLead Sponsor
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)Collaborator
National Eczema AssociationCollaborator

References