Neurobiology of the Scalp in Seborrheic Dermatitis (NCT02349854) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Neurobiology of the Scalp in Seborrheic Dermatitis
United States32 participantsStarted 2013-02
Plain-language summary
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp or inside the ear. These scales can occur with or without underlying reddened skin. In addition to causing psychological distress, low self esteem, and embarrassment, seborrheic dermatitis is associated with scalp pruritus (itch). Treatment modalities exist to control scalp flaking and itch associated with seborrheic dermatitis, although such therapies often lose efficacy over time. As seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic (life-long) condition, better treatments are needed. The investigators propose to better characterize in subjects with seborrheic dermatitis involving the scalp versus normal scalp controls: (a) the clinical characteristics of the associated itch and (b) the pattern of nerve innervation to the scalp. In this way, the investigators hope to get a comprehensive understanding of the factors causing scalp itch with the aim that this information will create new candidates to which treatment modalities can be designed. At least 12 (up to 20) subjects and similar number of control subjects without disease will have one clinic visit including questionnaires, testing of sensation on the scalp, and biopsy of the scalp.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
Study Subjects
* Individuals 18 years or older
* Pruritus measured by VAS score for scalp itch greater than or equal to 30 in past week and "dandruff" without skin changes or erythema but with histologic evidence of at least focal or mild epidermal spongiosis
* Pruritus measured by VAS score for scalp itch greater than or equal to 30 in past week and seborrheic dermatitis, including histologic evidence of at least focal or mild epidermal spongiosis
* No topical anti-pruritic treatments and no prescribed or over-the-counter topical seborrheic dermatitis treatments for at least 3 weeks before initiation of study, including antifungal shampoos, tar or urea-containing shampoos, selenium sulfide or zinc-containing shampoos, or topical steroids
* Willingness to forgo elective (ie PRN) use of systemic over-the-counter or prescribed antihistamines to treat conditions other than chronic pruritic skin diseases (for example, seasonal allergies) for at least 3 weeks before initiation of the study
Control Subjects
* Individuals 18 years or older
* No pruritus of the scalp as measured by VAS score for scalp itch less than 30 in past week and no "dandruff" or scalp skin changes or erythema and no histologic evidence of at least focal or mild epidermal spongiosis
* No pruritus of the scalp as measured by VAS score for scalp itch less than 30 in past week and no seborrheic dermatitis, including no histologic evidence of at least focal or mild epidermal spongiosis
* No …
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Percentage of vasodilatory peptidergic nerve fibers in the papillary dermis versus total nerves in the papillary dermis in control versus diseased scalp