Moisturizer Routine Monitoring for Eczema

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen bySteven Feldman, MD, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The primary hypothesis is that routine measurement of trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) rates and stratum corneum (SC) hydration levels will promote patient adherence to maintenance moisturizer therapy and prevent disease relapse. The project will consist of a trial in which thirty subjects with xerosis receive moisturizer therapy and are randomized to receive either no intervention, a weekly electronic survey to assess patient's response to daily moisturizer, or daily monitoring of the effectiveness of a moisturizer with a portable hydration measurement device. The study team will measure adherence to daily moisturizer use objectively in all three groups with electronic monitors attached to the containers of the moisturizer. The adherence measure will allow the study determine how well moisturizers work for xerosis when that are well used. The study team anticipate that in the no intervention group, adherence will be abysmal and that in the group reporting their response to treatment weekly, adherence will be much better. This will give the study team negative and positive controls for assessing the effect of home barrier monitoring on treatment adherence.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 with dry skin (xerosis) related to eczema or atopic dermatitis, who can communicate in English. It's not suitable for those under 18 or without a working knowledge of English.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.

I have dry skin due to current or past eczema.

Subject has a working knowledge of English.

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 18 years old.

Subject does not have a working knowledge of English.

Treatment Details

Interventions

Use of Topical Moisturizer (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study tests if monitoring skin hydration and water loss helps people stick to using Cetaphil Pro Eczema moisturizer daily. Participants will either get no extra help, answer weekly surveys, or use a device (GPSkin) that checks how well the moisturizer works.

Participant Groups

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: GPSkin groupExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

The patients in the GPSkin group will receive the GPSkin Barrier® to measure the moisture level of their inner wrist, inner elbow, and dorsal hand daily.

Group II: Digital Interaction GroupExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

The digital interaction group will receive a survey by email each week asking about their Cetaphil use in addition to the electronic monitor measuring the adherence.

Group III: Control GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

All patients will receive Cetaphil Pro Eczema moisturizer equipped with an electronic monitor to measure adherence to daily treatment of xerosis