CompletedNot Applicable

Topical Icariin on Acne and Acne Scars

South Korea25 participantsStarted 2023-03-21

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to examine whether topical application of icariin can improve acne and atrophic acne scars in adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does icariin reduce the number of facial acne lesions and acne scars? * What histological changes occur in acne or scar tissue after using icariin? Researchers will compare icariin to a vehicle control (3% ethanol solution) to assess its relative efficacy. Participants will: * Apply icariin or control solution to each side of the face twice daily for 2 months * Visit the clinic every 4 weeks for checkup * Receive skin biopsies before and after the study period, if they consent to this procedure

Who can participate

Age range

19 Years – 39 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: * Adults aged 19 to 39 with inflammatory acne and atrophic acne scars on both sides of the face Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of acne conglobata or acne fulminans * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Presence of systemic diseases or use of medications that may affect acne or scarring * Presence of psychiatric disorders * Recent use of isotretinoin within the past 4 months * Use of other oral or topical acne treatments or anti-acne cosmetics within the past 2 weeks * Receipt of procedural treatment for acne scars (e.g. chemical peels or energy-based devices) within the past 4 weeks

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

Change from baseline in the total number of acne lesions and scars at 8 weeks

Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07076784

SponsorSeoul National University Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-12-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Acne trials