Paraffin Wax + Exercise for Scarring

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Medstar Health Research Institute

Disqualifiers: Non-burn injuries, Pregnancy, Prisoners, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 8 weeks

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether combining paraffin wax with exercise therapy can enhance joint movement and function in people with burn scars. The aim is to discover better methods for helping those with scars over joints, such as elbows or knees, regain flexibility and ease of movement. Participants will receive either exercise therapy alone or in combination with paraffin wax treatment. This trial suits adults with burn scars crossing joints who are already engaged in rehabilitation exercises. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative approaches for improving joint flexibility and movement.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on adding paraffin wax to your existing exercise therapy, so you may not need to change your medications.

What prior data suggests that paraffin wax is safe for use in scar rehabilitation therapy?

Research has shown that paraffin wax is generally safe to use and is not considered dangerous under normal conditions. However, when it becomes very hot, it can mix with air and become explosive. If paraffin wax irritates the skin, rinse the area with water. Some individuals may find that fumes from hot paraffin wax irritate the eyes, nose, or throat. Overall, paraffin wax is stable and not hazardous, but caution is advised when it is hot. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using paraffin wax combined with exercise for treating scarring because it offers a unique approach compared to standard care options like silicone gel sheets or laser therapy. Paraffin wax has the potential to improve skin elasticity and hydration, which can enhance the effects of exercise therapy on scarred tissue. Unlike other treatments that primarily focus on reducing scar appearance, this combination aims to improve the function and flexibility of the scarred area, potentially leading to better overall outcomes for patients.

What evidence suggests that paraffin wax is effective for improving range of motion in scars?

Research has shown that paraffin wax can improve movement and function for scars near joints. In this trial, some participants will receive Exercise Therapy with Paraffin Wax Treatment, which studies have found can make scars thinner, less tight, and more flexible. One study found that patients using paraffin wax during therapy experienced 30% less pain and improved mobility. Additionally, combining paraffin wax therapy with stretching exercises proved more effective than other treatments, such as ultrasound therapy, for enhancing movement and function. These findings suggest that paraffin wax could be a valuable addition to exercise therapy for individuals with scars. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with scars across joints due to burns, who are undergoing scar rehabilitation therapy. Participants should be seeking to improve their range of motion and function. Specific eligibility criteria were not provided, so interested individuals should inquire further.

Inclusion Criteria

I have a burn scar across a joint on my arm or leg.

I am prescribed a rehab program that includes paraffin wax therapy.

Exclusion Criteria

I am unable to understand and give consent for treatment.

Pregnant women

Prisoners

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Pre-treatment

Pre-treatment visit to collect information about scars, including pictures, range of motion measurements, and optional blood draw

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants undergo 4 exercise therapy sessions over approximately 8 weeks, with paraffin wax applied to the treatment group

8 weeks

4 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments of range of motion, pain, and scar characteristics

4 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Paraffin Wax

Trial Overview The study tests if adding paraffin wax treatments to standard exercise therapy can better improve joint mobility and function in burn patients with scarring than exercise therapy alone.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Exercise Therapy with Paraffin Wax Treatment Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Group II: Exercise Therapy Only Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Medstar Health Research Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

202

Recruited

187,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7382391/

Improved Scar Outcomes with Increased Daily Duration of ... Results: All treatment groups reduced scar thickness and contraction versus controls and improved scar pliability and elasticity. Pressure garments worn 24 h ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06786884

NCT06786884 | Paraffin Wax and Exercise Prospective This study is being done to test if paraffin wax can be used to improve the range of motion and function for scars across joints when used in combination ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11023322/

776 Use of Paraffin Wax During Occupational Therapy ... Pain was reduced with every patient by an average of 30%. Every patient reported less pain and better movement, subjectively. Most patients ...

4. e-century.us e-century.us/files/ijbt/11/3/ijbt0132737.pdf

Paraffin wax bath therapy versus therapeutic ultrasound in ... Paraffin wax therapy with stretching exercises and massage were more effective as compared to ultrasound therapy with stretching exercises and ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/390286596_EFFECTS_OF_PARAFFIN_WAX_BATH_THERAPY_WITH_AND_WITHOUT_MUSCLE_ENERGY_TECHNIQUE_IN_CHILDREN_WITH_POST_BURN_HAND_CONTRACTURE

effects of paraffin wax bath therapy with and without muscle ... Conclusion: Paraffin wax bath therapy combined with METs was significantly more effective in improving range of motion and hand function ...

6. carlroth.com carlroth.com/medias/SDB-X880-MT-EN.pdf?context=bWFzdGVyfHNlY3VyaXR5RGF0YXNoZWV0c3wyMjA5Mzl8YXBwbGljYXRpb24vcGRmfHNlY3VyaXR5RGF0YXNoZWV0cy9oYjMvaDA5LzkwMTUyMDM2MjcwMzgucGRmfGZhODMwMTkxY2UxZTkzMThkZmQ2YjA3NGYzM2E4MWI4ZTAwYTljYjgyOTU4Y2YyMTkyZjdjMGVlMjM5ZTk4ZmM

Safety Data Sheet: Paraffin waxes The material is stable under normal ambient and anticipated storage and handling conditions of tem- perature and pressure.

7. sigmaaldrich.com sigmaaldrich.com/IN/en/sds/aldrich/327212?srsltid=AfmBOoojrMb6bqtVhvD9tDdV_ux9ZgMcQnDfYKqRhVs0j1JFYoWr-cYP

SAFETY DATA SHEET Paraffin wax is not a hazardous substance, but forms explosive mixtures with air on intense heating. For skin contact, rinse with water. For ...

8. flinnsci.com flinnsci.com/sds_575-paraffin-wax/sds_575/?srsltid=AfmBOooRcBBbnqeT8oTDb5VEnTuEDlscWP-YENtgfj_VTcEIoaaeL5UG

Paraffin Wax Safety Data Sheet (SDS) This chemical is considered nonhazardous according to GHS classifications for the Hazard Communication Standard. Treat all laboratory chemicals with caution.

9. datasheets.scbt.com datasheets.scbt.com/sc-286633.pdf

Paraffin Paraffin is considered a hazardous substance. It may cause eye irritation, skin burns, and inhalation of vapors may cause drowsiness and dizziness.

10. chemsupply.com.au chemsupply.com.au/documents/PT2001CH9N.pdf

Safety Data Sheet Paraffin wax fumes from molten product may be irritating to mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract, especially of sensitized persons, ...