Exploring the Cutaneous Immune Response to Skin Massage in Early Life
A Randomised Controlled Trial to Investigate How Regular Skin Massage Impacts the Immune System in Early Life
King's College London
109 participants
Jan 2, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This project aims to study whether regular skin massage in babies induces cutaneous inflammation and whether this inflammatory response is amplified in those receiving daily (vs bi-weekly or no) skin massage over an 8 week period. Specifically, it aims to: 1. Establish if massage increases /decreases immune signals in the skin. 2. Clarify if the effects of massage are enhanced with the frequency of massage. 3.) Assess changes in skin biology as a consequence of skin massage. 4.) Determine if massage impacts skin barrier function in the early years of life.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- Healthy babies born at term up to 6 months old
- Ability of parents/guardians/caregivers to provide written informed consent for study participation
- Willingness of parents/guardians/caregivers to comply with all study requirements.
Exclusion Criteria3
- Parents/guardians/caregivers unable to give informed consent.
- Personal history of inflammatory skin disease (in particular atopic dermatitis)
- Active involvement in another interventional research study
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Interventions
Application of product containing oil- and aqueous-based components to baby's skin followed by a standardized massage.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07228728