Patients undergoing routine surgery in the Department of Dermatology for any indication on non-scalp skin and closed in linear fashion with scar greater than or equal to 4.5cm in length will be invited to participate in this split scar, head to head study comparing zinc oxide and petrolatum. Patients will apply respective ointments to each half of scar daily for one month and maintain a log of these activities. They will be seen at 1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months post-operatively for photographic scar assessment and to complete the patient portion of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), a quantitative objective assessment of scar appearance. Trained observers (board-certified dermatologists) will score the observer portion of the scale. POSAS outcomes, post-operative infections, linear density of epidermal seal will be assessed at the 1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months post-operative periods and compared between the two groups. Participants will have parking validated for all visits and upon completion of all portions of the study will receive a standardized skin care gift bag containing samples for hypoallergenic skin care products (washes, moisturizers, etc.).
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
POSAS (patient and observer scar assessment score)
Timeframe: 8 weeks
Percentage of epidermal linear seal
Timeframe: 1 week
POSAS (patient and observer scar assessment score) change between 8 weeks and six months
Timeframe: To be assessed at 8 weeks and six months post-operative follow-up
Change in % epidermal linear seal between weeks 1 and 4 post-operative
Timeframe: weeks 1 and 4 weeks post-operative
POSAS (patient and observer scar assessment score)
Timeframe: Six months post-operative follow-up
Percentage of epidermal linear seal
Timeframe: 4 weeks