Treatment of Staphylococcus Aureus Colonization in Hand Eczema
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2012-08-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease characterized by itching and eczematous lesions. In
adults, eczema commonly localizes to the hands or feet. Several studies have implicated
bacterial contamination, especially with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), to be a factor in
atopic dermatitis, as infection with this bacteria correlates with disease severity. No trial
to date has investigated how to treat S. aureus infection in adults with hand or hand/foot
dermatitis. Using retapamulin ointment in the nose and on the hands or hands/feet, the
investigators expect to have a significant clearance rate of s. aureus infection. The
investigators believe that treating the bacterial infection along with treating the condition
with a topical corticosteroid will significantly decrease the severity of hand/foot
dermatitis in our study population.