Sun Protection for Surgical Scar Healing

Recruiting in Sacramento (>99 mi)

Overseen By John Robb, BS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Davis

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 3 months

50 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to determine the potential influence of sun protection on the aesthetic outcome of post-surgical scars following the reconstruction of Mohs micrographic surgery defects via linear repair. This study will be performed as a randomized split-wound study. Half of the wound will be treated with zinc containing sunscreen and the other half of the wound would not be treated. Three-months post-surgery, the scar will be evaluated via the patient observer scar assessment scale (POSAS), a validated scar instrument, as well as a colorimeter to measure the amount of vascularity, and hyperpigmentation between the treated and the non-treated area compared to the 'surrounding skin' defined as skin in the proximity but not adjacent to the wound. Any adverse events will also be recorded.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 who are having skin surgery in sun-exposed areas like the head, face, or neck. They must be able to consent and come back for a follow-up. It's not for pregnant individuals, prisoners, those under 18, anyone unwilling to return after 3 months, people allergic to zinc sunscreen, or with collagen vascular disease.

Inclusion Criteria

I had surgery on parts of my body that are often exposed to the sun.

I am 18 years old or older.

My skin wound was stitched up in a straight line.

Exclusion Criteria

I am unwilling or unable to return for a follow-up in 3 months.

I am under 18 years old.

History of collagen vascular disease

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo linear repair of cutaneous surgical defects with randomized application of sunscreen to half of the wound

3 months

1 visit (in-person) for surgery, followed by regular self-application of sunscreen

Evaluation

Evaluation of the scar using the patient observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) and colorimeter measurements

3-12 months

1 visit (in-person) for assessment

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Zinc containing sunscreen

Trial Overview The study tests if zinc sunscreen affects how surgical scars heal and look after Mohs surgery. It's a split-wound trial where one part of the scar gets sunscreen and the other doesn't. After three months, they'll check scar appearance using special scales and instruments.

Participant Groups

Group I: Sunscreen Application Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The study participant will be instructed to start applying the sunscreen provided to them to the randomly assigned half of the wound (A or B).

Group II: No Suncreen Application Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The study participant will be instructed to not apply the sunscreen provided to them to the randomly assigned half of the wound (A or B).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Davis

Lead Sponsor

Trials

958

Recruited

4,816,000+