Itching is one of the common symptoms found in patients with scleroderma, with a prevalence of about 42-62%, and it often occurs in the early stages of the disease. The mechanisms of itching are still unclear, and current treatments have not yet shown any clear efficacy in alleviating itching caused by scleroderma. Hemp extract has previously been used to treat itching in chronic skin diseases. Besides its antipruritic (anti-itch) effect, hemp extract also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, increases skin moisture, and helps repair the skin, all without psychoactive effects. Studies have investigated the benefits of hemp extract in the form of a topical cream with concentrations ranging from 1-5% for the treatment of various skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and the management of fingertip ulcers in scleroderma patients. The results showed that a 1% hemp extract cream relieved itching in eczema and at the same concentration also helped heal fingertip ulcers in scleroderma patients. However, to date, there has been no clear study on the effectiveness of hemp extract in cream or lotion form for treating itching in scleroderma patients. Additionally, there is currently no standard guideline for the management of itching in scleroderma. Generally, 10% urea cream is commonly used to increase skin moisture and alleviate itching, but there has been no prior study on its efficacy specifically for itch relief. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a 1% hemp extract combined with 10% urea in lotion form compared to a lotion containing only 10% urea (without hemp extract) in relieving itching, increasing skin moisture, and reducing sleep disturbances caused by itching in scleroderma patients, as well as assessing any potential side effects.
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.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
The changing of intensity of pruritus evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) compared to baseline and a comparison between treatment and control group
Timeframe: 2 weeks