
Pediatric Dermatology Research
Our multidisciplinary team of physician-scientists conducts various research projects to help promote patient care and better educate families. Our entire faculty is active at the national and international level in delivering medical lectures and advocating for patients with pediatric dermatological diseases. We participate in studies funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), pharmaceutical companies and our own investigator-initiated studies. We hope our research efforts will improve treatment for children with hard-to-treat skin conditions.
Clinical research includes our participation in clinical trials of newer medical treatments for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, hair loss disorders and epidermolysis bullosa, as well as collaboration with other divisions in the medical center on a variety of projects applicable to pediatric dermatologic practice. Learn more about our current clinical trials.
The Division of Dermatology's research laboratory, run by Amy Paller, MD, is pursuing National Institute of Health-funded research to explore the role of gangliosides in the function of skin cells (keratinocytes). Gangliosides are components of the cell membrane that are made of carbohydrates and lipids. Dr. Paller's laboratory continues to perform pioneering research that has shown that the gangliosides interact with several important cell receptors, including the epidermal growth factor receptor and integrin alpha5beta1, to affect how skin cells grow, attach and move. Her laboratory has introduced genes that alter the content of membrane gangliosides and cells in culture to make these discoveries. These findings are likely to impact patients with psoriasis, poor wound healing and skin cancers.
Quality of Life Measurements
To measure the effects of atopic dermatitis on the quality of life of young children (under the age of six years) and their families, Sarah Chamlin, MD, and colleagues have developed a survey known as the Childhood Atopic Dermatitis Impact Scale (CADIS). The CADIS was developed based on input from parents and expert clinicians. The survey tool examines children's symptoms, activities and behavior as well as parent's issues such as family and social functions, sleep, and emotions. Dr. Chamlin’s special interests also include clinical outcomes and quality of life research as they pertain to atopic dermatitis and blood vessel tumors (hemangiomas).