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Neurobiology of the Scalp in Seborrheic Dermatitis

NCT02349854 · Status: COMPLETED · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 32

Last updated 2017-03-27

No results posted yet for this study

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.

Conditions

  • Seborrheic Dermatitis

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Biopsy

1 scalp biopsy will be done at the site of central sensitization testing, according to standard of care practices. First, the site will be anesthetized and within this area, 2 immediately adjacent (ie contiguous) punch biopsies will be taken-2mm \& 3mm. Both will be closed simultaneously using either (i) non fast-absorbing gut sutures, requiring a 10-14 day follow-up visit for suture removal; (ii) fast absorbing gut sutures that will not require a subsequent suture removal visit, or (iii) gel foam without stitches that also does not require a suture removal visit. Wound care instruction will be discussed with patient. The patient will be instructed to apply petroleum jelly at least 3 times per day to the biopsy site, reflecting standard of care clinical care at BMC.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • L'Oreal

    collaborator INDUSTRY

  • Boston University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Deon Wolpowitz, MDPhD · Boston University

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
70 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2013-02-28
Primary Completion
2014-05-31
Completion
2014-07-31

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT02349854 on ClinicalTrials.gov