Prof. Peter van de Kerkhof conducts research on skin diseases and dermatitis. His research group specializes in psoriasis in particular and other inflammatory reactions of the epidermis, including eczema.

The group also studies systemic diseases that cause such inflammatory reactions. The department plays a leading role in the development of new therapies for skin disease.

Another major research field is skin cancer. The incidence of skin cancer is increasing dramatically, particularly as a result of intensive exposure to the sun. Van de Kerkhof's department studies the cellular changes in the preliminary stages of skin cancer and new types of treatment.