Understanding how microbes affect skin health in children with eczema
Official title: Mechanisms of Longitudinal Microbial Colonization in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11001841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny germs on the skin of kids with eczema might affect their skin condition, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,094 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AI181481-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have atopic dermatitis or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microbial colonization in children suffering from atopic dermatitis (eczema), a common skin condition that can lead to other allergic issues. By studying a unique cohort of children, the research aims to identify patterns of microbial presence on the skin and how these may contribute to the persistence of skin issues. The approach includes collecting microbial samples and clinical data over time to better understand the relationship between skin health and microbial diversity. The ultimate goal is to develop new therapies that can effectively manage eczema by targeting the skin microbiome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for children with atopic dermatitis, enhancing their quality of life and reducing the risk of associated allergic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the microbiome's role in skin conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dahal, Arya — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Dahal, Arya
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Stopping Atopic Dermatitis and Allergy: Preventing Food Allergy by Protecting the Skin
A large study in infants at high risk for allergies tests whether using a skin barrier cream together with early, proactive skin care can prevent peanut allergy and other food allergies.
-
SEAL Study: Preventing peanut allergy by protecting baby skin
This trial tests whether using a skin-emollient and proactive skin steroids early in life can prevent peanut allergy in high-risk infants.
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SEAL Study: Prevent allergy by protecting the baby’s skin
A very young group of high-risk babies will try a early skin-care plan to reduce eczema and prevent peanut allergy.
-
Megaplasmids and gut microbes in babies and adults
Scientists are studying unusually large plasmids found in the gut bacteria of babies and adults to understand how these big DNA pieces might affect health and antibiotic resistance.
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Understanding how skin fungi affect atopic dermatitis in adults
A study will look at how the skin's fungal community influences atopic dermatitis in adults and whether this understanding could lead to new treatments.
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Preventing eczema-related allergies by strengthening infants' skin barrier
This project will see if using a trilipid skin cream plus proactive mild topical steroids in infants with early dry skin or eczema lowers their chances of developing food allergies.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.