Clinical Research Directory

Studies of Dermatologic Diseases Biospecimen Acquisition Protocol

Background: \- Skin disease can have many causes. It can have widespread consequences, and in rare cases can lead to death. Researchers want to determine the causes of various types of skin diseases and find a way to treat them. Objectives: \- To determine the causes of various skin diseases and find ways to treat them. Eligibility: * People ages 2 and older who have: * A skin disease or at risk of developing a skin disease OR * A family member of persons with a skin disease * Healthy volunteers ages 2 and older Design: * Participants will be screened under a separate protocol. * Participants may take a survey about how their skin condition affects their quality of life. * Participants will have a medical history and a physical exam including a detailed skin exam. Pictures will be taken of their skin to document any skin disease. * Participants will have specimens collected. This may include: * Several teaspoons of blood taken at each visit * Stool samples * Nail and body fluid (like saliva) samples * Cheek swabs. The inside of the cheek will be scraped for about a minute in each direction to collect cells. * Collection of skin samples with: * A swab (like a Q-tip) * Gently scraping skin to remove the outer layers of cells * Applying and removing 1-inch pieces of tape * Participants may have up to 4 skin biopsies in 12 months, with 4 separate biopsies taken each time. * An area of skin will be numbed with an injection. * A piece of skin the size of a pencil eraser will be removed using a small instrument. * A flat scar usually develops at the biopsy site.

Quality of Life (QoL) Assessment in Cancer Patients and Survivors With Dermatologic Conditions Using Dermatologic QoL Instruments

The purpose of this study is to see how skin conditions that are related to different kinds of cancer or cancer treatments affect a patient's overall well-being. Skin conditions are common in cancer patients and survivors. Sometimes, the skin condition is directly related to the cancer. Other times, these conditions are a side effect of cancer treatment. Patients in the study will be asked to fill out at least one questionnaire about how they feel about their skin condition. If the patient needs to be treated for their skin condition, they will be asked to complete the same questionnaire when they return for a follow-up visit. The investigators hope the study will improve our understanding of how cancer patients feel about their skin conditions. They also hope this study helps them learn how to improve the way we treat skin conditions in cancer patients.