Effects of moisturizers on skin inflammation in older adults
Skin Barrier Function and Inflammation in Aging: The BIA Study
This study is testing whether using Vaseline or CeraVe moisturizer every day for four weeks can help reduce skin inflammation in older adults with dry skin.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 70 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06750653 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study investigates the physiological response to topical moisturizers in older adults with dry skin, focusing on the relationship between skin barrier function and chronic inflammation. Participants aged 70 and older will apply either Vaseline or CeraVe moisturizing cream daily for four weeks, acting as their own controls. The study aims to assess the feasibility for a larger trial while measuring changes in serum inflammation, skin barrier function, and the skin microbiome. The overarching hypothesis is that restoring the skin barrier can reduce inflammation markers in older adults.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 70 and older with dry skin diagnosed as xerosis cutis.
Not a fit: Patients with active inflammatory skin diseases or chronic inflammatory conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved skin health and reduced inflammation in older adults, potentially enhancing their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in using moisturizers to improve skin barrier function and reduce inflammation, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria 1. Male or female ≥ 70 years of age at the baseline visit. 2. Diagnosis of xerosis cutis based on an Overall Dry skin (ODS) score of =\> 1 for any body site where patients will be asked to apply moisturizer (i.e. arms, legs, buttocks, front of trunk). 3. Written informed consent (and assent when applicable) obtained from subject or subject's legal representative 4. Ability for subject to comply with the requirements of the study. Exclusion Criteria 1. History of inflammatory skin disease (e.g. psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or bullous pemphigoid) that has been active in the past 10 years. 2. History of contact dermatitis to moisturizers. 3. History of chronic inflammatory conditions (such as cancer, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or coronary artery disease). Participants with a history of localized skin cancer will not be excluded. 4. Current infection. 5. Open skin wounds. 6. Physical limitations or lack of a caregiver preventing application of a moisturizer to skin on the trunk and extremities. 7. Current use of topical medications, oral systemic immunomodulatory treatments, or anti-microbial treatments. 8. Diagnosis of primary or acquired immunodeficiency. 9. Use of skin moisturizer less than 1 week prior to enrollment visit, with the exception that participants may use non-study moisturizer/sunscreen on face, if used consistently throughout study period. 10. Inability to give informed consent. 11. Presence of a condition or abnormality that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would compromise the safety of the patient or the quality of the data. 12. If the participant does not meet all the above criteria, he/she will not be eligible for study participation.
Where this trial is running
San Francisco, California
- UCSF — San Francisco, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katrina Abuabara, MD — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ana Fernandez Lamothe
- Email: ana.fernandezlamothe@ucsf.edu
- Phone: 415-502-4739
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.