Our skin is more than a protective barrier between the outside environment and internal systems. Healthy skin is a manifestation of overall wellness. Many people encounter skin issues such as chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), acne, or atopic dermatitis that require expert care. Understanding these conditions is the first step toward better skin health, and Dr. Sonja Krejci, a board-certified dermatologist, is leading our efforts at Seattle Clinical Research Center. With her extensive expertise, Dr. Krejci is at the forefront of addressing dermatological concerns with a focus on both patient care and clinical research.

These Skin Disorders Will Be Concentrated Areas of Study in 2025:

1. Acne Vulgaris
   • Overview: This is a very common skin concern that affects most of us at some time in our lives.
   • Description: The primary change in the skin is pore blockage by skin cells that do not shed properly resulting in a comedo (“white head” or “black head”). Secondary lesions are inflamed bumps (pimples), nodules, and sometimes deeper cysts resulting in scars.
   • Contributing Factors: Hormonal changes, skin bacteria, sebum (oil gland) production, genetics, environmental factors, and skin products.
   • Treatment: There are a multitude of treatments available ranging from medications that increase skin cell shedding to antibiotics (topical and oral), hormonal interventions, and retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives). SCRC will be investigating novel treatment involving a vaccine against bacteria that are contributing to the inflammation in acne.

1. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
   • Overview: This is often a chronic skin condition that may first appear in infancy and typically consists of very itchy red patches that may thicken.
   • Description: Skin affected by eczema is frequently dry and inflamed. Due to the condition being itchy, there is frequent scratching, oozing, thickening, and color changes after healing. There are certain patterns of involvement commonly seen at different ages.
   • Contributing Factors: Genetic, allergens and environmental conditions, exposure to irritating ingredients in personal care products, and clothing.
   • Treatment: Myriads of medications, such as corticosteroids and emollients, that are applied directly to affected skin, alternations in skin care and environment, oral medications to control infection, inflammation, and itching and biologics that address the alternations in the immune system that play a role in inflammation. Atopic dermatitis is a condition that is the focus of intense research with many new biologic interventions that are promising in the pipeline.

1. Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU)
   • Overview: This is a bothersome and often disruptive condition that manifests as hives all over the body that have been present for greater than six weeks without a clearly identifiable trigger.
   • Description: There are itchy welts (“hives”) of varying sizes and locations on the skin. It may also be accompanied by swelling of the eyelids, lips, tongue, hands, and feet (angioedema).
   • Contributing Factors: This may have an autoimmune basis and can, in some individuals, be associated with other autoimmune conditions.
   • Treatment: Most commonly antihistamines and avoidance of environmental factors that can aggravate the itch (e.g., heat). Some respond to immune-modifying drugs give by injection. SCRC will be involved in studying a new medication that can be taken by mouth and may control hives via an alternate biologic pathway.

Meet Dr. Sonja Krejci

Dr. Sonja Krejci is our Board-Certified Dermatologist that will lead the expansion of Seattle Clinical Research Center’s expanding presence in dermatology research. Dr. Krejci has substantial clinical expertise with a commitment to patient care and dedication to patients interested in being involved in clinical research. Dr. Krejci’s dedication ensures patients are informed and empowered every step of the way.

A New Era of Dermatology

With Dr. Krejci at the helm, Seattle Clinical Research Center is poised to expand its dermatology research studies, offering patients access to emerging therapies. These studies aim to enhance understanding of skin diseases, offer patients access to emerging therapies, and contribute to advancements in dermatologic care.

Whether you’re dealing with CSU, acne, or eczema, the journey to improved skin health begins with education and expert support. Explore what’s possible for your skin. Contact us today or visit our website to learn more about upcoming dermatology research opportunities.