Comparing zinc oxide and petrolatum for healing surgical scars

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• UPMC Dermatology St. Margaret
  Pittsburgh, PA, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Caroline Kettering, MD — Resident Physician, PGY-3
• Study coordinator: Caroline Kettering, MD
• Email: ketteringce@upmc.edu
• Phone: 4126474200

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Comparing saline irrigation and povidone-iodine for preventing infections in emergency surgeries

  This study is testing whether using saline irrigation or a povidone-iodine solution before closing surgical incisions can better prevent infections in patients having emergency surgeries.

  Recruiting Phase 2/3 Dow University of Health Sciences · Karachi, Sindh · NCT05989386

• Negative pressure dressings after emergency midline laparotomy

  This trial will test whether using negative pressure wound therapy on adults having emergency midline laparotomy lowers wound complications compared with standard dressings.

  Recruiting at 5 sites Uppsala University · Eskilstuna and 5 other locations · NCT07003906

• Using silicone tape to improve scars after abdominal surgery

  This study is testing if using silicone tape on abdominal scars after surgery can make them look better compared to leaving part of the scar without any treatment.

  Recruiting Nova Scotia Health Authority · Halifax, Nova Scotia · NCT04506255

• Silver foam dressing after cesarean: does it prevent infection as well as standard care?

  This trial tests whether a silver-containing foam dressing worn over cesarean incisions is no worse than standard dressings at preventing surgical site infections.

  Recruiting Montefiore Medical Center · The Bronx, New York · NCT07914569

• Disposable noninvasive skin closure to help healing and reduce scarring after plastic surgery

  This study tests a disposable noninvasive skin closure device on one side of a plastic surgery incision to see if it helps wounds heal better and results in less scarring.

  Recruiting Peking University Third Hospital · Beijing, Beijing Municipality · NCT07849010

• Safety-zone for cheek-access mandibular fracture fixation to protect facial nerve

  This study tests whether using a defined facial-safety zone during transbuccal access for fixing mandibular fractures helps protect the facial nerve.

  Recruiting Delta University for Science and Technology · Al Mansurah, Addakahlyia · NCT07807813

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.