How to Find a Clinical Trial for Eczema

Treating eczema can be very difficult. About half of people living with eczema have found treatments ineffective. New treatments for eczema are always being developed. Participating in eczema clinical trials or atopic dermatitis clinical trials can help bring new treatments to market and may provide relief from your symptoms. 

This article will cover what you need to know about finding an eczema research study and the pros and cons of participating in a clinical trial. 

What Are Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials are tests where a potential new treatment is given to study participants. In many cases, the medication or treatment is compared to a placebo, a treatment with no real benefit. 

Before a new treatment can be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it must go through clinical trials to prove that it is safe and effective. These trials are done with volunteers who have given their informed consent to use a drug or treatment that has not yet been approved by the FDA. Since these treatments are untested, the FDA carefully oversees clinical trials to ensure the participants' safety.

Reasons to Participate

There are quite a few reasons why you might choose to participate in a clinical trial or have your child participate. The most important reason, for many people, is that clinical trials can give you access to treatments or medications that are not yet available to the general public. If this is your main consideration, it’s important to remember that you may be assigned to a control group that gets a placebo treatment. Having access to new treatment is not a guarantee. 

Additional reason to participate include:

• You may help advance understanding of eczema and bring new or better treatments to market. 
• You may have access to more frequent appointments with your healthcare provider or specialist.
• You may receive payment or reimbursement for participation.

Potential Downsides and Risks

Clinical trials are very important, but they have some downsides, including:

• The treatment being studied may not work for you. 
• You may be assigned to the control group and not receive the new treatment. 
• You may have to stop or adjust current treatment regimens. 
• You may experience side effects. 
• Travel to appointments can be inconvenient and costly. 

Criteria for Eczema Clinical Trial Recruitment

To participate in a paid eczema study, you’ll likely need an eczema diagnosis. Other than that, the qualifications for each study will vary. Some studies are designed for specific age brackets, sexes, or people who have not had relief from previous treatments. 

When you’re considering participating in an eczema research study, read the description to see if you’re a good fit. In addition, studies typically include a screening step where the researchers confirm that you are eligible to participate. 

Clinical Trial Finder

One of the best ways to find an eczema research study is to ask your healthcare provider. Clinical trials often occur at large hospitals, and your team may be up-to-day with clinical trials in your area. 

However, you can also look on your own. There's no one source for clinical trials, but these organizations list eczema and atopic dermatitis clinical trials:

• National Institutes of Health 
• National Eczema Association
• Clinicaltrials.gov
• Mayo Clinic

Factors That Affect Participation

Deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial is a major decision. It impacts your overall health, and your schedule. Here’s what you should consider before saying yes:

• The time commitment. Clinical trials often last for months or years, so saying yes is a big commitment. 
• Impact on your life. One study found that 49% of people who participate in clinical trials said the trials disrupted their daily routine. 
• Financial impact. Frequent travels to appointments has financial implications, including travel costs, time off work and childcare obligations. 
• Desire to make an impact. Clinical trials are just about you as a participant, but also about the impact on the field of eczema treatment. That’s a powerful motivator for many people. 

Ask a Healthcare Provider

If you’re considering participating in a clinical trial, or having your child enroll in one, talk to your dermatologist. They’ll be able to help you weigh the pros and cons in your specific case. That way, you can make the best decision for you and your family. 

Summary

Clinical trials are tests of new drugs or treatments on human volunteers. Participating in a clinical trial for eczema may give you access to treatments that aren’t available to the general public. However, there are risks, including not getting the treatment, not responding, having side effects, and having the trial impact your daily life. Before signing up for a clinical trial, talk with your dermatologist. 

A Word From Verywell

Deciding to participate in a clinical trial is an intensely personal decision. While you have the ultimate say, this isn’t a decision that you need to make alone. Talk with your dermatologist about the impact the trial might have on your care. Discuss the impact on your daily life with your family or support system. That way, you can make an informed choice.