Skin Barrier Function and Inflammation in Aging: The BIA Study (NCT06750653) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingPhase 4
Skin Barrier Function and Inflammation in Aging: The BIA Study
United States32 participantsStarted 2025-02-06
Plain-language summary
This is a randomized, investigator-blinded, self-controlled pilot study of the physiologic response to topical moisturizers among older adults with dry skin. The overarching hypothesis is that skin barrier decline is an important source of chronic inflammation, and that skin barrier restoration with moisturizers can reduce serum biomarkers of inflammation. The primary objective is to determine the feasibility for a larger trial, and the secondary objectives are to determine the extent to which measures of serum inflammation, skin barrier function, and the skin microbiome change in response to moisturizers. Participants will be asked to apply one of two topical moisturizers that are widely available over the counter in the US (Vaseline® 100% pure petroleum jelly or CeraVe® moisturizing cream) once daily for 4 weeks to the front of the torso, buttocks, arms, and legs. Subjects will act as their own control (i.e. they will be asked to apply the study moisturizer they are randomized to for one intervention period (4 weeks) and not to apply topical moisturizers for the other 4- week intervention period). Participants will be randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to one of 4 treatment groups: i. no intervention then CeraVe; ii. CeraVe then no intervention; iii. no intervention then Vaseline; iv. Vaseline then no intervention. At each visit (baseline, week 4, and week 8), participants will undergo skin barrier testing, skin microbiome sampling, and phlebotomy to measure serum inflammatory markers.
Who can participate
Age range
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
. Male or female ≥ 70 years of age at the baseline visit.
. 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).
. Written informed consent (and assent when applicable) obtained from subject or subject's legal representative
. Ability for subject to comply with the requirements of the study.
Exclusion criteria
. History of inflammatory skin disease (e.g. psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or bullous pemphigoid) that has been active in the past 10 years.
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.
. 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.
. Current infection.
. Open skin wounds.
. Physical limitations or lack of a caregiver preventing application of a moisturizer to skin on the trunk and extremities.
. Current use of topical medications, oral systemic immunomodulatory treatments, or anti-microbial treatments.
. Diagnosis of primary or acquired immunodeficiency.