Skin conditions are among the most common health issues worldwide, increasing the demand for effective, long-lasting treatments. In the US, the dermatology drug market is projected to reach $9.11 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% to reach $14.48 billion by 2030.1 Yet, the landscape of dermatological clinical research faces persistent challenges with patient recruitment and retention. In this blog, we explore obstacles in dermatology clinical trials and offer approaches for maximizing patient recruitment and retention by leveraging the right strategies and sites.
Challenges to recruitment and retention in dermatology studies
With over 5,800 active dermatology clinical trials globally, the competition for suitable participants is fierce, though difficulties in recruitment may vary by condition.2 Rare disorders such as bullous pemphigoid or cutaneous lymphomas face extreme recruitment challenges due to limited patient populations. Psoriasis trials often compete for the same patient population, while acne studies struggle with dropout rates of 25-30%, particularly among adolescent participants, due to perceived lack of efficacy.3
Other obstacles to patient recruitment and retention in dermatology studies include:
- Limited awareness of dermatology clinical trial opportunities. A substantial proportion of potential participants remain unaware of ongoing clinical trials due to lack of information about them or how to participate.

- Mistrust. Research has shown that there is a racial gap in trust in clinical research, which contributes to skepticism and apprehension about clinical trials among certain populations. In addition, perceptions of unfair treatment in healthcare due to historical unethical medical practices, inequities in resource availability, and racial discrimination are increasing. 

- Condition-related factors. Certain skin conditions present with seasonal variability, which may hinder screening and identification of qualified study participants. In addition, chronic, fluctuating conditions that are characterized by periods of improvement and relapse, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, may require lengthy trials, which are a long-term commitment for patients.

- Complexity of study design. Stringent protocols, such as mandatory washout period in acne clinical trials, may discourage participation and contribute to dropout rates. In addition, frequent clinic visits or complicated assessments can be burdensome for participants, leading to disengagement.

- Lack of diversity. Underrepresentation of diverse demographic groups can compromise the generalizability of trial outcomes. For instance, a systematic review of 392 randomized dermatology clinical trials showed that, despite increased regulatory emphasis on diversity, the proportion of studies with at least 20% non-white representation did not change between 2010-2015 and 2015-2020.4
5 keys for successful dermatology clinical trial recruitment and retention
1. Focus on patient education to build confidence
Research shows that knowledge gaps and misconceptions are major barriers to clinical trial participation. A structured approach to education mitigates mistrust and improves both enrollment and retention:
- Provide accessible, easily digestible information about trial procedures, safety protocols, and potential risks and benefits
- Develop culturally sensitive educational materials that address common questions and concerns
- Train site staff to communicate complex medical concepts in patient-friendly language
- Create support communities among study participants to share experiences


Research has also shown that augmenting clinical trials with social media increases enrollment, shortens timelines, and decreases recruitment cost.5 The most effective sites build strong investigator-patient relationships through consistent contact and empathetic communication throughout the trial journey.

2. Maintain a diverse, pre-screened database of patients with dermatological conditions
Successful recruitment begins with access to a robust, diverse patient database, allowing for rapid identification of eligible candidates matching specific protocol criteria and strategic targeting of underrepresented populations to improve trial diversity. Alliance Clinical Network maintains a database of more than 250,000 consented patients who have expressed an interest in clinical research, more than 85% of whom are from underrepresented groups.
3. Implement flexible scheduling options
Time commitments and constraints remain one of the primary reasons participants decline or drop out of clinical trials. Successful recruitment strategies include:
- Offering appointments outside of standard business hours
- Creating streamlined visit protocols that respect the value of the participant’s time
- Providing clear timelines so participants can plan around study requirements
- Utilizing mobile apps for appointment reminders and simplified scheduling changes
- Offering virtual visit options if the protocol allows

Financial considerations should also be addressed upfront, including fair compensation structures and clear guidelines on reimbursable vs out-of-pocket expenses.

4. Offer comprehensive logistical support

Practical barriers often determine whether a participant completes a trial. Comprehensive support should include:
- Transportation arrangements or reimbursement programs for travel to/from clinical study site locations
- Assistance navigating insurance coverage for study-related care
- Multilingual capabilities at trial sites serving diverse communities
- Digital tools for symptom tracking and patient reported outcomes
- Post-trial engagement, including updates on study outcomes

This patient-centered approach significantly improves retention rates and creates advocates for future clinical trial participation.

5. Establish purpose-built, accessible clinical locations

Intentional site selection is a key component of any enrollment strategy, especially if there is a focus on enhancing study diversity. Many trial sites are geographically inaccessible to underrepresented populations, creating insurmountable barriers to participants. Purpose-built study sites offer a solution to achieving diversity. Partnering with sites in diverse and underserved communities ensures that participants can access dermatology clinical trials.


At Alliance Clinical Network, we have established seven sites in underserved metropolitan areas in California, Nevada, and Texas, with the goal of maximizing racial, ethnic, and age diversity. These strategic locations minimize travel burden for participants and employ culturally competent staff trained in sensitivity and inclusiveness to create a welcoming environment for participants of all backgrounds.
Key Takeaway
The success of dermatology clinical trials depends on building systems and sites that place patient needs at the center of the research process. At Alliance Clinical Network, our experience demonstrates that prioritizing education, maintaining a diverse patient database, offering scheduling flexibility, providing comprehensive participant support, and creating purpose-built sites not only accelerates enrollment, but also improves protocol adherence and study retention.1
To learn more about optimizing recruitment and retention in dermatology clinical trials, contact us.
1 Grand View Research. U.S. Dermatological Drugs Market Trends. Available at https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-dermatological-drugs-market-report.
2 ClinicalTrials.gov.
3 Althwanay A, et al. Efficacy of topical treatments in the management of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: A systematic review. Cureus. 2024;16(4):e57909.
4 Chen V, et al. Assessment of changes in diversity in dermatology clinical trials between 2010-2015 and 2015-2020:Â A systematic review. JAMA Dermatol. 2022;158(3):288-292.
5 Geist R, et al. Social media and clinical research in dermatology. Curr Dermatol Rep 2021;10(4):105-111.