Paraffin Wax + Exercise for Scarring

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 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 with scar rehabilitation therapy sessions. For those randomized to receive it, the paraffin wax will be used alongside the participants' exercise therapy treatments. Currently, treatments that are used in addition to rehabilitation therapy for increasing range of motion across joints in the burn population are limited. By getting more information about how paraffin wax may or may not work, patients in the future that have scars may be able to be helped.

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.

How does the treatment of paraffin wax and exercise for scarring differ from other treatments?

Paraffin wax combined with exercise is unique because it uses a physical therapy approach, potentially improving scar flexibility and appearance through heat and movement, unlike other treatments that may focus on surgical or laser interventions. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Paraffin Wax for scarring?

Research shows that paraffin wax therapy, combined with stretching exercises and massage, is more effective than ultrasound therapy for improving movement in small joints of the hand affected by post-burn contractures, which are a type of scarring. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

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. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development of a Best Evidence Statement for the Use of Pressure Therapy for Management of Hypertrophic Scarring. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nonoperative techniques for scar management and revision. [2021]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Paraffin wax bath therapy versus therapeutic ultrasound in management of post burn contractures of small joints of hand. [2021]

4. Russia (Federation) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Modern technologies of regenerative rehabilitation in the treatment of patients with abnormal scars]. [2021]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fillers for postsurgical depressed scars after skin cancer reconstruction. [2013]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

No statistically significant difference in long term scarring outcomes of pediatric burns patients treated surgically vs. those treated conservatively. [2022]

7. Russia (Federation) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Multicenter study of the effectiveness of antiscar therapy in patients at different age periods]. [2020]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of Normal Saline Injection with Pneumatic Injector to Subcision for the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars. [2021]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Objective evaluation of the efficacy of a non-ablative fractional 1565 nm laser for the treatment of deliberate self-harm scars. [2019]