Understanding the role of the sympathetic nervous system in rosacea

Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System in Rosacea

Not applicable Interventional University of Kentucky · NCT03989492

This study is trying to see how stress affects blood flow and nerve activity in people with rosacea to help find better treatments for the condition.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment210 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Kentucky Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Indianapolis, Indiana and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03989492 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in rosacea, a common skin condition characterized by facial redness and inflammation. It aims to explore how stressors affect skin blood flow and sympathetic nerve activity in individuals with rosacea compared to healthy controls. By examining these mechanisms, the study seeks to enhance the understanding of rosacea and potentially lead to improved treatment options for affected patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include otherwise healthy males and non-pregnant/non-lactating females with mild to moderate erythematotelangiectatic rosacea.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbidities or those currently using medications that affect neural or cardiovascular responses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better-targeted therapies for managing rosacea symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While this study explores a relatively novel approach, previous pilot studies have suggested sympathetic dysfunction in rosacea, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Otherwise healthy males and non-pregnant/non-lactating females with mild to moderate erythematotelangiectactic rosacea, as well as age-sex matched healthy control subjects.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, muscular, or other dermatological disorders
* Current history of alcohol and/or drug abuse
* Known allergies or hypersensitivities to medications/drugs that are used in the protocol
* Current smoking or regular smoking within the last 2 years
* Body mass index \> 35 kg/m2
* Medications or supplements which are known to affect neural, cardiovascular, or muscular responses

Where this trial is running

Indianapolis, Indiana and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Rosaceaautonomic nervous systemskin blood flowskin sympathetic nerve activity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.