Effects of Sun Protection on Surgical Scars
Influence of Sun Protection on the Aesthetic Outcomes Following Linear Repair of Cutaneous Surgical Defects, a Randomized Split-Wound Study
This study tests if using sunscreen on surgical scars after Mohs surgery helps them look better compared to scars that don’t get sunscreen.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Davis Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Sacramento, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05074238 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how sun protection influences the aesthetic outcomes of surgical scars after Mohs micrographic surgery. It employs a randomized split-wound design where one half of the surgical wound is treated with zinc-containing sunscreen while the other half is left untreated. The evaluation of scar appearance will occur three months post-surgery using the patient observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) and colorimetry to assess vascularity and hyperpigmentation. The study aims to provide insights into the impact of sun exposure on scar healing and appearance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults scheduled for cutaneous excisional surgery on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, or scalp.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, incarcerated, or have a history of adverse reactions to zinc-containing sunscreen may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved scar healing and cosmetic outcomes for patients undergoing skin surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited clinical research on this specific topic, animal studies suggest that sun exposure negatively affects wound healing, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patient is ≥ 18 years of age 2. Patient is able to provide informed consent 3. Patient is scheduled for a cutaneous excisional surgical procedure 4. Cutaneous surgical wound closed via linear repair 5. Surgery performed on sunlight-exposed anatomical regions (head, face, neck, hairless scalp) 6. Patient is willing to return for follow-up visit to clinic Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patient is incarcerated 2. Patient is \< 18 years of age 3. Patient is pregnant 4. Patient unwilling to return for 3-month follow-up 5. History of reaction to zinc containing sunscreen 6. History of collagen vascular disease
Where this trial is running
Sacramento, California
- University of California, Davis — Sacramento, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: John Robb, BS
- Email: jmrobb@ucdavis.edu
- Phone: 916-551-2636
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.