GuMeSH: Gut Microbiome and Skin Health
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Gut Microbiome and Skin Health: Investigation into relationship between infant gut microbiome with incidence and severity of nappy rash
IRAS ID
332482
Contact name
Andrew Jenkins
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 22 days
Research summary
The relationship between babies gut bacteria and incidences of nappy rash.
- Nappy rash in babies is very common: most infants under 3 years old experience at least on episode. However it is episodic: that is babies don't experience it continually and anecdotally it is associated with developmental changes as the baby grows such as weaning and teething. The question is why?
- Given the skin of nappy wearing infants is (daily) exposed to urine and faeces which cause nappy rash, why don't babies suffer from nappy rash all the time?
- Our hypothesis is that the bacterial composition of the infant gut (and hence their faeces) changes as they grow, and specifically faecal urease activity: and this correlates with nappy rash incidence and severity.
- The plan is to recruit up to 12 babies at the University of Bath on-site nursery and study how their faecal bacteria changes and correlate with nappy rash incidence.
- Understanding this could also help improve skin health in incontinent adults.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/NW/0390
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion