RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Meditation in Inflammatory Dermatosis

Living with skin conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis) and psoriasis can be really tough, causing a lot of itching and stress that affects daily life. This study is exploring if mindfulness meditation can help. Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment and helps manage stress and emotions. Researchers want to see if regular mindfulness practice can break the cycle of itching and scratching, improve mental well-being, and even reduce skin inflammation in people with moderate eczema or psoriasis. If you're over 18, have one of these conditions with significant itching, and are not on strong medications, you might be able to take part.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

Start

15 Nov 2022

Estimated completion

15 May 2026

Atopic Dermatitis Psoriasis Pruritus

What is this study about?

Many people in the UK live with skin conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis) and psoriasis. These conditions can cause uncomfortable, persistent itching and red, inflamed patches of skin. This itching often leads to scratching, which can make the skin worse and affect your sleep and overall mood. It can even create a difficult cycle where stress makes the itching worse, and the itching makes you more stressed. These conditions can significantly impact how you feel about yourself and your everyday life.

This research study is looking at a technique called 'mindfulness meditation' to see if it can help break this cycle. Mindfulness is a practice where you learn to pay attention to the present moment, including your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations, without judgment. Many studies have shown that mindfulness can help people manage stress, anxiety, and even pain. Researchers believe it might help individuals with eczema and psoriasis by teaching them to better manage their stress and emotional responses to itching.

The main goal of this study is to find out if mindfulness meditation can reduce the itching caused by eczema and psoriasis, improve how people cope with their condition, boost their mood, and even make their skin less inflamed. By understanding if and how mindfulness works, doctors might be able to offer new ways to help people living with these common and often distressing skin conditions.

Key takeaways

This study explores mindfulness for eczema and psoriasis.
It aims to reduce itching, improve mood, and potentially skin inflammation.
Participants will learn mindfulness meditation techniques.
It's for adults over 18 with moderate skin conditions and significant itching.
You cannot be on strong skin medications for the study.
You can leave the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who have either moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) or moderate psoriasis. A key part of qualifying is having significant itching that disrupts your daily life. You also need to be able to speak French, as some of the study materials are in French, and your mental health should be stable, meaning you're not currently experiencing a severe mental health crisis.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are currently taking strong medications for your skin condition (like biologics or other widespread treatments) or have stopped them very recently, you won't be eligible. Also, if you have certain severe mental health conditions like severe depression, bipolar disorder, or a psychotic disorder, or if you're taking specific psychiatric medications, this study might not be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) or psoriasis that causes a lot of itching?
Are you able to speak French?
Are you not currently taking strong (systemic) medications for your skin condition or haven't recently stopped them?
Do you feel your mental health is stable right now, without severe mental health conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you would take part in a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program. This usually involves attending regular group sessions over several weeks, where you'll learn and practice different mindfulness techniques. You'll likely be asked to do mindfulness exercises at home between sessions as well. Researchers will check your skin condition, itching levels, and general well-being at different points throughout the study, usually through questionnaires and possibly some skin assessments. The total time you'd spend in the study, from start to finish, would depend on the specific program schedule, but typically these MBSR courses run for about 8 weeks, with follow-up assessments after that.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this might offer potential benefits, such as learning new ways to manage stress and itching, which could improve your quality of life and possibly even your skin condition. However, it's also important to know that results can vary, and there's no guarantee of improvement for everyone. There are generally very few risks associated with mindfulness meditation, but some people might find certain emotions come up during practice. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Saint-Louis
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is mindfulness meditation?

Mindfulness meditation is a way of training your mind to focus on the present moment, helping you to notice thoughts, feelings, and body sensations without getting caught up in them. It's often used to help manage stress and improve well-being.

Will I have to stop my current skin treatments?

You cannot be on strong, widespread (systemic) treatments for your skin condition or have stopped them recently. However, local creams and ointments might be acceptable. The study team will discuss this with you.

What does 'moderate' eczema or psoriasis mean?

For this study, it means your condition is noticeable and impactful enough to cause significant itching and affect your daily life, but it's not the most severe form.

How long will the study last if I join?

The main part of the study, involving the mindfulness program, typically lasts around 8 weeks, with some follow-up assessments after that. The study team will give you a full timeline.

Do I need any previous experience with meditation?

No, you don't need any prior experience. The program is designed to teach you mindfulness techniques from the beginning.

How to find out more

Charles CASSIUS, Dr

charles.cassius@aphp.fr +331.42.38.50.49 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.