Thulium Laser Therapy for Chicken Skin

(KP Trial)

Overseen By Youkyung S Roh, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University

Must not be taking: Photosensitizing medications

Disqualifiers: Active skin condition, Keloids, Tumors, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 24 weeks

25 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new treatment for keratosis pilaris, commonly known as "chicken skin," which causes rough patches and tiny bumps on the skin. The study tests the effectiveness of the 1927-nm Thulium laser, a type of laser therapy, in improving this condition, often affecting areas like the upper arms. Current treatments often lack effectiveness, so the trial seeks a better solution. It is suitable for individuals with keratosis pilaris on both upper arms who have not received laser treatment there in the past year and are willing to have photos taken for the study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research that could lead to more effective treatments for keratosis pilaris.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are using photosensitizing medications (medications that make your skin more sensitive to light).

What prior data suggests that the 1927-nm Thulium Laser is safe for treating Keratosis Pilaris?

Research has shown that the 1927-nm Thulium laser has been safely used in past studies to treat skin issues like acne scars and signs of aging from sun exposure. These studies found that the laser is usually well-tolerated. Most people experience only mild side effects, such as temporary redness or swelling, which typically resolve on their own. The studies reported no major safety concerns. Although not yet approved specifically for treating keratosis pilaris, current evidence suggests it could be a safe option to consider. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Thulium Laser Therapy for chicken skin, also known as Keratosis Pilaris, because it offers a unique approach compared to current treatments like topical exfoliants and moisturizers. Unlike these standard care options, which mainly focus on surface-level exfoliation, the 1927-nm Thulium Laser penetrates deeper into the skin to target and reduce the buildup of keratin, the underlying cause of those pesky bumps. This laser therapy promises a more targeted and potentially faster improvement in skin texture. Additionally, it provides a non-invasive alternative with minimal downtime, which is a significant advantage over more aggressive treatments like chemical peels.

What evidence suggests that the 1927-nm Thulium Laser is effective for treating keratosis pilaris?

Studies have shown that the 1927-nm Thulium laser can improve skin issues like acne scars and signs of aging by reducing discoloration and wrinkles. Although not specifically approved for keratosis pilaris (KP), which causes rough, bumpy skin, the laser's ability to enhance skin texture makes it a promising option. In this trial, participants will receive treatment with the 1927-nm Thulium laser on either the right or left arm to evaluate its effectiveness for KP. Early research suggests that this laser can improve skin appearance by targeting the top layers where KP occurs. This may smooth out tiny bumps and even out skin tone. People with other skin concerns have noticed visible improvements, offering hope for its effectiveness in treating KP as well. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Sarah Hsu, MD

Principal Investigator

Johns Hopkins University

Myriam Gonzalez, MD

Principal Investigator

Johns Hopkins University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults with Keratosis Pilaris, a common skin condition causing rough patches and tiny bumps. Participants should have visible symptoms on their arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with keratosis pilaris on both upper arms.

Willing to have photographs taken and agree to the use of photographs for regulatory, presentation, or marketing purposes

Willing and able to follow protocol procedures and requirements

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnant and/or breastfeeding

Current smoker or history of smoking within 5 years

I am currently using medication that increases sensitivity to light.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 1927-nm Thulium laser therapy on both arms for Keratosis Pilaris

24 weeks

Regular visits for laser therapy

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

12 weeks

2 follow-up visits

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• 1927-nm Thulium Laser

Trial Overview The study tests the safety and effectiveness of the 1927-nm Thulium Laser therapy on KP. It aims to see if this laser can improve skin texture and appearance where traditional creams haven't worked well.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: 1927-nm Thulium Laser therapy (right arm) Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive treatment for Keratosis Pilaris with the 1927-nm Thulium laser on the right arm.

Group II: 1927-nm Thulium Laser therapy (left arm) Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive treatment for Keratosis Pilaris with the 1927-nm Thulium laser on the left arm.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Johns Hopkins University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,366

Recruited

15,160,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07078461

Investigating the Safety and Efficacy of the 1927-nm ... It is not approved for use for soft-tissue coagulation in keratosis pilaris. It has been used in previous studies to treat conditions including acne scarring, ...

2. centerwatch.com centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT07078461/investigating-the-safety-and-efficacy-of-the-1927-nm-thulium-laser-in-keratosis-pilaris

Investigating the Safety and Efficacy of the 1927-nm ... It is not approved for use for soft-tissue coagulation in keratosis pilaris. It has been used in previous studies to treat conditions including ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-burnett-schwartz-berberian-syndrome-8-2025-c5511

Thulium Laser Therapy for Chicken Skin (KP Trial) Trial Overview The study tests the safety and effectiveness of the 1927-nm Thulium Laser therapy on KP. It aims to see if this laser can improve skin texture ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10025463/

Prospective study of efficacy and safety of non-ablative ... Particularly, the 1927 nm fractional thulium fiber laser (FTL) reduces the superficial signs of photoaging such as dyspigmentation, wrinkles and ...

5. trial.medpath.com trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/1cdcc9be7b1eb46f/nct07078461-thulium-laser-soft-tissue-coagulation-keratosis-pilaris

Investigating the Safety and Efficacy of the 1927-nm Thulium ... It is not approved for use for soft-tissue coagulation in keratosis pilaris. It has been used in previous studies to treat conditions including acne scarring, ...

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36950052/

Prospective study of efficacy and safety of non-ablative ... Conclusions: In this study, FTL was found to be a safe and effective treatment option for treating photoaging. Keywords: 1927 nm thulium fiber ...

7. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/surgery/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2023.1076848/full

Prospective study of efficacy and safety of non-ablative ... The 1927 nm fractional thulium fiber laser (FTL) reduces the superficial signs of photoaging such as dyspigmentation, wrinkles and actinic damage.