New Centre for Applied Excellence in Skin and Allergy Research at Bristol

The majority of people with skin and allergy conditions are looked after by their GP. However, there are many uncertainties about how best to look after even common problems. For example, the main treatments for eczema are moisturisers (emollients) and flare control creams (topical corticosteroids). These have been around for decades, yet we still don't how to use them together optimally or indeed how to support carers and patients with eczema to look after their skin.

Comprising a multi-disciplinary group of 20 people with a focus on childhood eczema and food allergy, CAESAR will work on Transforming Outcomes for Paediatric Allergy in Primary Care (TOPIC) programme. Underpinned by strong public, patient and stakeholder involvement, supporting equality, diversity and inclusion. During its first five years it will address the following research questions:

1. What are the most effective and safe ways to use emollients and topical corticosteroids to treat children with eczema in primary care?
2. Does an eczema clinic in primary care improve disease control in children?
3. What are the priorities for food allergy research in children?
4. What awareness is there of early allergen introduction advice, is it being followed and is it preventing food allergy?

Professor Matthew Ridd, GP and Director of CAESAR, said: "I'm delighted to have been given this opportunity to set up the Centre and lead much-needed research to address the needs of patients, carers and the NHS in this area."

Dr Andrew Turner, Research Manager of CAESAR, said: "We're thrilled to launch CAESAR and our ambitious plans to accelerate progress in answering common, practical questions in primary care. With a commitment to excellence, our Centre endeavours to make a lasting impact, driving positive change in our community and beyond."

Professor Ridd from Bristol's Centre for Academic Primary Care, and CAESAR are supported by a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Professorship award to build capacity and accelerate progress in answering questions of importance to patients with skin and/or allergy problems.

About CAESAR

CAESAR sits within the Centre for Academic Primary Care, NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR), University of Bristol. It works closely with the Bristol Trials Centre and builds on existing studies (TIGER, ATHENA) and collaborations. The centre also hosts the Society for Academic Primary C are (SAPC) and NIHR SPCR Skin and Allergy specialist interest groups.

About the National Institute for Health and Care Research

The mission of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. We do this by:

• Funding high quality, timely research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care;
• Investing in world-class expertise, facilities and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services;
• Partnering with patients, service users, carers and communities, improving the relevance, quality and impact of our research;
• Attracting, training and supporting the best researchers to tackle complex health and social care challenges;
• Collaborating with other public funders, charities and industry to help shape a cohesive and globally competitive research system;
• Funding applied global health research and training to meet the needs of the poorest people in low- and middle-income countries.

NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. Its work in low- and middle-income countries is principally funded through UK Aid from the UK government.

The NIHR is the research partner of the NHS, public health and social care.

About the Centre for Academic Primary Care

The Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) at the University of Bristol is a leading centre for primary care research in the UK, one of nine forming the NIHR School for Primary Care Research. It sits within Bristol Medical School, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for population health research and teaching. Follow on Twitter: @capcbristol and on LinkedIn.