View clinical trials related to Skin Diseases.
Filter by:This is a continuing study which evaluates the long-term safety and efficacy of oral acitretin in an open manner in the treatment of psoriasis, cutaneous disorders of keratinization, multiple basal cell carcinomas and other retinoid responsive diseases.
This study will examine the structure of the receptor molecule for the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and determine if the receptor's structure is related to susceptibility to infection with the virus. There are two types of herpes virus-HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 commonly causes cold sores, and HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes. The herpes virus enters (infects) cells through protein molecules on the cell's surface. This study will explore possible differences between the structure of the HSV receptor molecule in different people to understand better how infection occurs. The study will also look at proteins on white blood cells (Fc receptors, cytokines and mannose binding protein) that may influence the risk of infection with HSV. Information from this study may lead to new treatments to prevent HSV infection. People 18 years of age and older who are infected with HSV and people who are not infected with the virus may be eligible for this study. Participants will have blood drawn to confirm whether or not they have been infected with the virus. The blood sample will also be used to study the genes for the HSV receptor, Fc receptors, cytokines, mannose binding protein and related proteins on the white blood cells. No more than 40 milliliters (8 teaspoons) of blood will be drawn. Participants who are found to have antibodies to HSV-2 will be offered counseling and advice on practicing safe sex techniques to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases, including HSV-2 infection.
The purpose of this study is to identify the genes responsible for certain scaling disorders and other inherited skin diseases and to learn about the medical problems they cause. In some cases, these may include problems affecting organs other than the skin, such as the eyes, teeth and bones. Patients with inherited skin disorders, including Darier's disease (keratosis follicularis), lamellar ichthyosis, epidermolysis bullosa, cystic acne, and others, and their relatives may be eligible for this study. Patients will have a medical history, physical examination with particular emphasis on the skin, and routine blood tests. Additional procedures for patients and unaffected relatives may include: 1. Blood sample collection 2. Dental exam with X-ray of the jaw 3. Eye examination 4. X-rays of the skull, ribs, chest, hands, feet, spine, arms, or legs 5. Bone density scan 6. Photographs of the skin 7. Skin biopsies (removal of a small tissue sample under local anesthetic) 8. Buccal sample (gentle brushing inside the cheek to collect a cell sample) for gene studies Patients who request the results of their gene testing will be provided this information.
It is proposed that patients with skin disease due to presumed immunologic, genetic or viral-induced abnormalities, patients with neurological degenerations, and normal controls be evaluated with various in vitro studies of immunologic, genetic, and virologic function. This is to include studies of peripheral blood (cells and serum) as well as studies of skin obtained with a biopsy instrument. In addition, studies of gastrointestinal function will be performed where appropriate.
The use of a suction blister apparatus has facilitated study of the immunologic capacity of human epidermal cells. We have been able to prepare purified populations of these cells after blister formation. Specifically, using the blister tops, we are able to enrich for epidermal Langerhans cells which are very potent stimulators in antigen presenting assays. Thus, this normal volunteer study provides an important source of fresh epidermal tissue from which we can study normal epidermal Langerhans cell function. In addition, we have recently used blister roofs in important experimental models of HIV-1 transmission. There is no other method available for assessing the biologic function of freshly isolated Langerhans cells without altering their milieu. It is a very safe and effective way to obtain human epidermal samples.