Staph bacteria may worsen eczema and trigger dangerous infections

NCT ID NCT04274348

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Poitiers University Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at how staphylococcus bacteria on the skin affect inflammation and immune responses in people with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). Researchers took skin biopsies and blood samples from 41 adults to measure bacterial toxins and immune cell activity. The goal was to understand why some eczema patients develop serious viral skin infections like eczema herpeticum. This was an observational study, not a treatment trial, so it aims to uncover disease mechanisms rather than test a new therapy.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this research could help explain why some people with eczema develop severe skin infections, pointing toward new ways to prevent or treat those complications.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed observational study, not a treatment trial. It aims to understand the disease, not test a therapy, so it won't directly lead to a new drug or cure.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

41 people

The number who actually took part.

Started

Oct 2020

Finished

Aug 2025

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 years and older

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with moderate AD (SCORAD between 25 and 50) or severe AD (SCORAD\> 50) * Skin lesions in the forearms * Free subject, without neither guardianship, wardship nor subordination * Patient with Social Security * Informed and signed consent by the patient after clear and loyal information on the study Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 year-old * Patients with mild AD (SCORAD \< 25) * Patients without skin lesions in the forearms * Patients treated with dermocorticoid or calcineurin inhibitor for less than two weeks * Patients under systemic treatment : Methotrexate, Ciclosporin, Mycophenolate Mofetil, Azathioprine, general corticosteroids for less than 4 weeks * Patients under biological treatment : Dupilumab for less than 5 half-lives * Patient without Social Security * Pregnant and nursing women

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

atopic eczema staphylococcal infection staphylococcus aureus infection

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Atopic dermatitis Bacterial toxins Cytokines Immune response Staphylococcus aureus T cells subsets

Staph bacteria may worsen eczema and trigger dangerous infections

What the study statuses mean