Exploring how playing in sand affects atopic dermatitis in children
Biodiversity Interventions for Well-being - the Effect of Biodiversity Exposure on Atopic Dermatitis
NA · Natural Resources Institute Finland · NCT06390696
This study is testing if playing in sand can help young children with eczema feel better by looking at their skin and immune system changes.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 2 Years to 5 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Natural Resources Institute Finland (other gov) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Helsinki, Uusimaa and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06390696 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of exposure to microbial diversity through sand play on children with atopic dermatitis. It aims to determine if playing in a sandbox can reduce eczema symptoms and alter immune responses by assessing various health indicators. Approximately 80 children aged 2-5 with atopic dermatitis will be recruited to participate in this interventional study, where they will be divided into groups receiving either a microbial intervention or a placebo. The study will measure changes in eczema severity, immune markers, and microbial communities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 2-5 with a confirmed diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and an Eczema Area and Severity Index of 2 or higher.
Not a fit: Patients with mild atopic dermatitis (EASI < 2), immune deficiencies, or other significant health conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel, natural approach to managing atopic dermatitis in children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested a link between microbial exposure and reduced atopic dermatitis symptoms, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Eczema Area and Severity Index ≥ 2 Exclusion Criteria: * Eczema Area and Severity Index \< 2 * Immune deficiencies, i.e., antibody deficiency * Immunosuppressive systematic medications * A disease affecting immune response (e.g., colitis ulcerosa, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, diabetes) * Cancer diagnosis * Topical medication for the treatment of atopic dermatitis during the trial * Disability affecting the immune response (e.g. Down's syndrome) * Non-participation in the national vaccine program * Participation in another intervention or follow-up study
Where this trial is running
Helsinki, Uusimaa and 1 other locations
- Natural Resources Institute Finland — Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland (RECRUITING)
- Tampere University — Tampere, Finland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aki Sinkkonen — Natural Resources Institute Finland
- Study coordinator: Sanna Hurtola
- Email: sanna.hurtola@luke.fi
- Phone: +358295322500
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Atopic Dermatitis, Nature, Human, Microbial Colonization, Immune System and Related Disorders, Atopy, Biodiversity, Commensal microbiota, Microbial exposure