RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Exploring the Cutaneous Immune Response to Skin Massage in Early Life

This research wants to understand if giving regular skin massage to babies changes anything in their skin, particularly how their immune system reacts. We're looking to see if massage increases or decreases certain immune signals in the skin. The study will also check if massaging more often has a bigger effect and if massage helps improve the skin's protective barrier and the good bacteria living on it. This is important because while massage is good for bonding, we don't fully understand its effects on a baby's skin health. We're inviting healthy babies up to 6 months old to take part, with their parents' permission, to help us learn more about this.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

109

Start

02 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2027

Skin Massage

What is this study about?

You might already know that massaging your baby can be a lovely way to bond with them. Some people also believe it can help with blood flow and even boost a baby's immune system. However, scientists haven't fully explored how skin massage directly affects a baby's skin and its immune system before. This project aims to change that.

We want to discover if regular skin massage changes the immune signals in a baby's skin. Think of these immune signals as tiny messages that tell the body whether to react to something. We're also curious if massaging more often makes these changes stronger. On top of that, we'll be looking to see if massage helps the skin's natural protective layer – known as the skin barrier – become stronger and healthier, and if it affects the helpful bacteria that live on the skin.

Understanding these things is really important for guiding parents on the best ways to care for their baby's skin in the early years of life. By taking part, you'd be helping us learn more about how common practices like baby massage truly impact skin health and the immune system.

Key takeaways

This study explores how baby massage impacts skin health and the immune system.
It involves healthy babies aged up to 6 months.
The study aims to see if massage changes immune signals and skin barrier function.
There are two parts: a small pilot and a larger 8-week study with three groups.
Taking part helps improve our understanding of baby skin care practices.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for babies who are healthy and were born on time. They need to be no older than 6 months old.

Their parents or guardians must be able to understand the study information and give their written permission for their baby to take part. They also need to be willing to follow the study instructions.

Babies cannot join if their parents or guardians cannot give consent, or if the baby has a history of certain skin conditions, especially eczema (atopic dermatitis). They also can't be in this study if they are already taking part in another research study that involves treatments or interventions.

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.

Is my baby healthy?
Was my baby born on time (not prematurely)?
Is my baby 6 months old or younger?
Do we have any family history of eczema or other inflammatory skin conditions in my baby?
Am I able to understand information about the study and give written permission?
Is my baby currently involved in any other research study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study has two main parts. The first part is a small pilot study for the first 9 babies. If your baby is in this group, you'll visit St Thomas' Hospital once for about an hour. During this visit, we'll gently collect some fluid from the skin and measure the skin's protective barrier. This is a non-invasive process, meaning it won't hurt your baby. We can also test your baby for allergies to common things like house dust mites, peanuts, eggs, and milk if you'd like.

The second part involves 100 healthy babies and lasts for 8 weeks. If your baby is chosen for this part, they will be randomly placed into one of three groups. Each group will have different instructions for looking after your baby's skin for the 8-week period. More details on the specific actions for each group will be provided if you choose to participate.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about how skin massage affects a baby's skin and immune system, which could benefit many families in the future. While we don't expect serious risks, there's always a chance of minor skin irritation when trying new products or routines, though we'll be using standard moisturisers. You are free to withdraw your baby from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your baby's care or your relationship with the hospital.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

St. Thomas' Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to understand how regular skin massage affects babies' skin and their immune system, and if massaging more often makes a difference.

Will my baby need to take any medicine?

No, this study does not involve giving your baby any medicine. It focuses on skin massage and moisturisers.

How long will my baby be in the study?

If your baby is in the main study, they will take part for 8 weeks.

Can I choose which group my baby is in?

No, if your baby is in the main study, they will be randomly placed into one of the three groups. This helps make the study fair.

Where does the study take place?

Study visits, especially for the initial pilot part, will take place at the Clinical Research Facility at St Thomas' Hospital.

How to find out more

Preeti Khurana

gstt.cutie.study@nhs.net 020 7188 7188 Official trial record

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