Characterizing Skin Microbiome Change in Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, is an inflammatory disease of the skin affecting a large proportion of the pediatric and adult patient population. Chronic itching and eczematous lesions lead to a high burden of disease and associated patient morbidity with higher infection rates, emotional stress and associated psychological disease. The microbiome community contributes to human health through several mechanisms. Current research suggests that derangements in the normal microbiota may lead to inflammatory bowel disease, allergy, and metabolic syndromes. Specific to dermatology, new literature has demonstrated that changes in the microbiome may play a role in the development of atopic dermatitis. With this study, the investigators hope to characterize the baseline atopic dermatitis skin microbiome and monitor the evolution of the participants skin microbiome during and after treatment with anti-inflammatory topical medications, specifically the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved phosphodiesterase inhibitor, crisaborole ointment 2% (Eucrisa).