About Dermatology

As the outer protective covering of the body, the skin is directly exposed to the environment, and so it's quite vulnerable to tumors, rashes, discolorations, burns, injuries, infections, and other disorders. And generalized diseases, such as diabetes or under-activity of the thyroid, are sometimes accompanied by skin changes that may, indeed, be the first sign of the condition. Easy access to the skin means it's relatively easy for the dermatologist to make a diagnosis. But successful treatment is often a more difficult problem.

Dermatology Clinical Trials at Novartis

Novartis Pharmaceuticals is focusing some of its research efforts in dermatology on new treatments for the following conditions:

Dermatitis
This condition is not a single disease, but covers those skin disorders in which inflammation is the main feature. As a result of inflammation, symptoms such as redness and itching are common. Small blisters may occur, which, because of scratching, become infected and weep. While corticosteroids have been mainstays in treating dermatitis, newer treatments are designed to replace steroids, because of their possible side effects.

Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)
A type of dermatitis also called atopic eczema, this is a hereditary condition, often triggered by environmental factors. The skin itches intensely and is dry and inflamed, with episodes of weeping, crusting, cracking, and scaling. It most often affects infants and young children, but it can continue into adulthood or even first occur later in life. The condition fluctuates, with exacerbations, or flares. The disease is associated with other so-called atopic disorders, such as hay fever and asthma.

Psoriasis
This is a fluctuating but persistent skin disease that gets its name from the Greek word for "itch." The skin is inflamed, with red, thickened areas bearing silvery scales; it's seen most often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. It may be so mild that people don't know they have it. At the other end of the spectrum, severe psoriasis may cover large areas of the body.

If you are interested in learning more about other disease areas or therapeutic areas of Novartis clinical research, please select from the list below.

• Arthritis, Rheumatology and Bone Health Clinical Trial Information


• Cancer and Oncology Clinical Trial Information


• Cardiology and Vascular Diseases Clinical Trial Information


• Diabetes Clinical Trial Information


• Dermatology Clinical Trial Information


• Gastroenterology and Digestive Diseases Clinical Trial Information


• Neurology Clinical Trial Information


• Ophthalmology and Eye Diseases Clinical Trial Information


• Respiratory Clinical Trial Information


• Novartis Medical and Clinical Research