Comparing zinc oxide and petrolatum for healing surgical scars
Zinc Oxide Versus Petrolatum Following Skin Surgery: A Head-to-head, Prospective, Split-scar Study
This study is testing whether zinc oxide ointment works better than petrolatum for healing and reducing scars after skin surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, PA, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT03561376 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of zinc oxide ointment compared to petrolatum in promoting healing and minimizing scarring after dermatologic surgery. Patients with linear scars of at least 4.5 cm will apply each ointment to different halves of their scar daily for one month. They will be assessed at multiple follow-up points for scar appearance using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and for any post-operative complications. The study aims to provide insights into optimal post-surgical care for scar management.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with linear surgical scars of at least 4.5 cm on non-scalp skin.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of allergy to topical zinc oxide or those with visibly asymmetric scars will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved scar healing and reduced complications for patients after skin surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While zinc oxide is widely used for diaper dermatitis, its application for surgical scars is novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. ≥ 18 years of age 2. Linear closure, non-scalp site 3. ≥ 4.5 cm in length (final incision/closure length) 4. End to end symmetry (surgical site is not grossly asymmetric from end to end) 5. Grossly uninfected site Exclusion Criteria: 1. ≤ 18 years 2. Visibly asymmetric linear scar 3. Grossly infected surgical site 4. History of allergy to topical zinc oxide
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, PA, Pennsylvania
- UPMC Dermatology St. Margaret — Pittsburgh, PA, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lauren Crow, MD — Resident Physician, PGY-3
- Study coordinator: Lauren Crow, MD
- Email: crowld@upmc.edu
- Phone: 4126474279
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.