Sodium in the Skin and Atopic Dermatitis

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · May 29, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how sodium is stored in the skin and how it relates to eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, in adults aged 50 and older. Researchers want to find out if factors like diet and the health of the skin barrier affect how much sodium is in the skin. They also want to see if the amount of sodium in the skin is connected to changes in eczema and the immune system over time.

To participate in the study, you need to be at least 50 years old and willing to undergo a special type of MRI that doesn’t involve any contrast dye. You won’t be eligible if you have certain health issues, like autoimmune diseases or recent heart problems, or if you’re taking specific medications that affect sodium levels. Participants will fill out questionnaires, provide samples, and have the MRI done 2-3 times over a period of 3 to 24 months. This is a great opportunity to contribute to important research that may help improve understanding and treatment of eczema in older adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Ages 50 years and above
• • Willing to undergo non-contrast MRI (e.g., no contraindications to MRI, such as cardiac pacemakers, non-compatible intracranial vascular clips or pregnancy).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of autoimmune disease.
• • Cardiac events in the last six months.
• • Impaired function of the liver or kidneys (glomerular filtration rate \<60ml/min).
• • Current use of medications that influence sodium excretion (e.g. thiazide diuretics, SGLT2 inhibitors and spironolactone), and/or chemotherapy or antibiotic treatment.
• • Currently receiving phototherapy or taking systemic medications for atopic dermatitis including cyclosporine, methotrexate, or other broad immunosuppressive medications.
• • (Patients on dupilumab will not be excluded if they have been on dupilumab for at least two months and still meet the criteria for severe disease.)