Sun Protection for Surgical Scar Healing

Overseen By John Robb, BS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Davis

Disqualifiers: Incarceration, Pregnancy, Collagen vascular disease, others

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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines whether using sunscreen aids in the healing of scars after surgery. For individuals undergoing Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer, the trial tests if applying zinc-containing sunscreen to part of the scar improves its appearance. The study compares the sunscreen-treated part of the scar with the untreated part to assess any differences in appearance. Individuals who have had skin surgery on areas like the face or neck may be suitable participants, particularly if they are willing to return for a follow-up visit. As an unphased trial, this study provides participants the chance to contribute to understanding how sunscreen can enhance scar healing.

What prior data suggests that zinc containing sunscreen is safe for post-surgical scar healing?

Research shows that sunscreens with zinc are generally safe for the skin. Studies have found that zinc can aid in wound healing. For instance, wounds treated with zinc ointment healed well without complications. Zinc also contributes to collagen production, a protein that maintains skin firmness, and supports the immune system, both crucial for healing.

No major reports indicate problems when using zinc sunscreen on wounds, suggesting it is gentle on the skin. However, like any product, some individuals might experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction. Monitoring the treated area and reporting any unusual reactions is always advisable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using zinc-containing sunscreen for surgical scar healing because it offers a protective mechanism that goes beyond traditional scar treatments, such as silicone gels or ointments. Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in wound healing, potentially reducing scar formation when applied directly to the skin. By protecting the wound from harmful UV rays, this sunscreen could enhance scar healing and cosmetic outcomes in a way that existing treatments do not. This trial could reveal a simple yet effective approach to improving scar appearance with a commonly used skincare product.

What evidence suggests that zinc containing sunscreen is effective for surgical scar healing?

Research shows that sunscreen with zinc can aid wound healing and improve scar appearance. In this trial, participants will apply zinc-containing sunscreen to one half of their surgical wound, leaving the other half untreated. Studies have found that zinc oxide on the skin significantly reduces scar thickening, leading to improved scar outcomes. Zinc plays a vital role in collagen production and immune support, both crucial for healing. Additionally, zinc oxide in sunscreen shields healing scars from the sun, preventing them from worsening. Overall, using sunscreen with zinc may result in better-looking scars after surgery. ^{2 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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.

My skin wound was stitched up in a straight line.

I am scheduled for a skin surgery to remove tissue.

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-6-2021-cb81f

Sun Protection for Surgical Scar Healing Half of the wound will be treated with zinc containing sunscreen and the other half of the wound would not be treated.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11593192/

Zinc in Dermatology: Exploring Its Emerging Role ... It is believed that zinc might help with collagen synthesis and immune function, both of which are crucial in the wound healing process. Some ...

3. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20381965/

Effectiveness of topical zinc oxide application on ... Results: Application of topical zinc oxide ointment decreased clinical scar hypertrophy scores significantly (p=0.017) at 6th week in comparison with placebo.

4. rivm.nl rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/KN-2025-0029.pdf

Knowledge brief Literature screening of the effects of zinc ... The sunscreen products with the largest difference in outcome contain zinc oxide as UV-filter. Therefore, the following research questions were ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590006425007914

Zinc oxide nanoparticles for skin wound healing The findings across studies show that ZnO-loaded dressings exhibit superior efficacy in promoting tissue regeneration. At appropriate concentrations, ZnO NPs ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12448027/

Zinc oxide nanoparticles for skin wound healing Wounds treated with ZnO NPs ointment showed superior healing compared to sweet flag extract, with significant wound shrinkage and no complications, ...

7. mdpi.com mdpi.com/1467-3045/46/11/717

Zinc in Dermatology: Exploring Its Emerging Role ... It is believed that zinc might help with collagen synthesis and immune function, both of which are crucial in the wound healing process. Some creams formulated ...

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11626335/

Enhanced skin regeneration and therapeutic delivery using ... ND‐ZnO technology enhances wound healing, collagen synthesis, and active ingredient delivery, offering substantial benefits for daily skin regeneration.