Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is not just a cosmetic disease. It is a chronic (long-lasting) skin condition that causes patches of red, itchy, dry skin to appear on various parts of your teen’s body.

• When your teen has moderate or severe eczema, it can cause intense pain, itchiness, and skin cracking.
• Your teen’s eczema can flare periodically, especially when exposed to certain triggers such as cold or dry air. Contact with irritants, including rough fabrics and chemicals such as perfumes or dyes can also cause eczema flares.
• Moderate to severe eczema can interfere with everyday life, causing absences at school, and missed social activities. And, eczema patches on visible areas of the body, such as the face, neck, and hands may cause embarrassment.

Current treatments for eczema may not work well for everyone, especially for teens. That’s why local doctors are conducting research studies and evaluating study medications that are not available from regular doctors.

Research studies play an important role in understanding skin conditions like eczema in children and teens. Study findings may lead to better treatment options in the future, just for teens.

Remember, research studies:

• Provide your teen with close attention from the study doctor who is focused on eczema care.
• Provide study-related monitoring of your teen’s health and protections for safety are in place throughout the study.
• May help you and your teen learn more about his or her eczema.

Take the next step to see if your teen qualifies for local pediatric eczema research. But don’t delay — space is limited!