Study for Food Allergy Prevention in Babies

A baby lying down while an adult applies cream to its cheek. Text on the image reads, "New Opportunity for Food Allergy Prevention. Volunteers needed for a study that may reduce the risk of food allergies and eczema.

Are you a parent worried about your newborn developing food allergies? A new study by the Section of Allergy/Immunology at the University of Chicago Medicine and Comer Children’s Hospital is currently enrolling infants with dry skin for a clinical trial.

The Stopping Eczema and Allergy (SEAL) Study is researching the use of investigational lotions and emollients to reduce the potential risk of food allergies in children with dry skin.

The goal of the SEAL Study is to determine if treatment of dry skin in early infancy can prevent the onset of eczema (an itchy rash on your baby’s skin) and food allergy. Participants will be assigned to use EpiCeram® or Aveeno® moisturizers, or whatever moisturizer you and your pediatrician choose.

To participate in this study:

  • You must be a parent/guardian with a newborn under 12 weeks old and willing to enroll your child.

Participation may include clinic visits, sample collection, questionnaires and check-in calls, as well as using lotions and emollients.

Compensation and valet parking will be provided. If you’re interested in finding out more about this study, please email the study’s research coordinator at sealstudy@uchicago.edu or call/text (260) 306-5454.

Sponsored by University of Chicago Medicine and Comer Children’s Hospital