Trial Outcomes & Findings for Safety and Efficacy of a Topical Scalp Treatment for Dry Scalp Conditions in Children and Adult (NCT NCT03830177)

NCT ID: NCT03830177

Last Updated: 2025-02-24

Results Overview

The Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) is a 5-point scale used to evaluate the severity of dry scalp conditions. Scores range from 0 (clear) to 4 (severe disease), based on clinical signs such as flaking, erythema, and pruritus. Assessments were conducted at baseline and endpoint to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment in reducing symptom severity.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE1/PHASE2

Target enrollment

77 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Baseline, 2 weeks (Study Endpoint)

Results posted on

2025-02-24

Participant Flow

The protocol initially planned for 80 participants, but 77 were successfully enrolled at baseline across the two groups - child and adult.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Intervention Arm
The intervention arm includes two subgroups - adults and children. All participants receive a topical scalp treatment containing Lactobacillus sp., honey, and turmeric. Adults apply the treatment daily for 14 days, while children apply it 2-3 times weekly for 14 days.
Overall Study
STARTED
77
Overall Study
Adult
35
Overall Study
Child
42
Overall Study
COMPLETED
77
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
0

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Intervention Arm
n=77 Participants
All participants receive the topical scalp treatment containing Lactobacillus, honey, and turmeric. Adult participants apply the treatment daily for 14 days, while child participants apply the treatment 2-3 times weekly for 14 days. This arm contains two subgroups for analysis - children and adults.
Age, Categorical
Adults · <=18 years
0 Participants
n=35 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Age, Categorical
Adults · Between 18 and 65 years
35 Participants
n=35 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Age, Categorical
Adults · >=65 years
0 Participants
n=35 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Age, Categorical
Children · <=18 years
42 Participants
n=42 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Age, Categorical
Children · Between 18 and 65 years
0 Participants
n=42 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Age, Categorical
Children · >=65 years
0 Participants
n=42 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Sex: Female, Male
Adults · Female
19 Participants
n=35 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Sex: Female, Male
Adults · Male
16 Participants
n=35 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Sex: Female, Male
Children · Female
27 Participants
n=42 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Sex: Female, Male
Children · Male
15 Participants
n=42 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Race (NIH/OMB)
Adults · American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
n=35 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Race (NIH/OMB)
Adults · Asian
17 Participants
n=35 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Race (NIH/OMB)
Adults · Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=35 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Race (NIH/OMB)
Adults · Black or African American
2 Participants
n=35 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Race (NIH/OMB)
Adults · White
14 Participants
n=35 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Race (NIH/OMB)
Adults · More than one race
2 Participants
n=35 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Race (NIH/OMB)
Adults · Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=35 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Race (NIH/OMB)
Children · American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
n=42 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Race (NIH/OMB)
Children · Asian
3 Participants
n=42 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Race (NIH/OMB)
Children · Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=42 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Race (NIH/OMB)
Children · Black or African American
2 Participants
n=42 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Race (NIH/OMB)
Children · White
20 Participants
n=42 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Race (NIH/OMB)
Children · More than one race
11 Participants
n=42 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Race (NIH/OMB)
Children · Unknown or Not Reported
6 Participants
n=42 Participants • The number analyzed in the row refers specifically to the subgroup in the row title. 35 adult samples were analyzed. 42 child samples were analyzed. Combined, 77 samples were analyzed.
Region of Enrollment
United States
77 participants
n=77 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks (Study Endpoint)

The Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) is a 5-point scale used to evaluate the severity of dry scalp conditions. Scores range from 0 (clear) to 4 (severe disease), based on clinical signs such as flaking, erythema, and pruritus. Assessments were conducted at baseline and endpoint to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment in reducing symptom severity.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Intervention Arm
n=35 Participants
All participants receive the topical scalp treatment containing Lactobacillus, honey, and turmeric. Adult participants apply the treatment daily for 14 days.
Efficacy Determined Using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) - Adult
Baseline
2.1 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.6
Efficacy Determined Using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) - Adult
Endpoint
1.1 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.8

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks (Study Endpoint)

The Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) is a 5-point scale used to evaluate the severity of dry scalp conditions. Scores range from 0 (clear) to 4 (severe disease), based on clinical signs such as flaking, erythema, and pruritus. Assessments were conducted at baseline and endpoint to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment in reducing symptom severity.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Intervention Arm
n=42 Participants
All participants receive the topical scalp treatment containing Lactobacillus, honey, and turmeric. Adult participants apply the treatment daily for 14 days.
Efficacy Determined Using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) - Child
Baseline
3.0 units on a scale
Interval 2.8 to 3.3
Efficacy Determined Using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) - Child
Endpoint
2.0 units on a scale
Interval 1.8 to 2.2

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks (Study Endpoint)

The Total Severity Scale (TSS) evaluates the severity of dry scalp conditions by averaging individual scores for erythema, scaling, and pruritus of scalp lesions. Each component is scored on a 4-point scale, ranging from 0 (none) to 3 (severe). The TSS is calculated by summing the scores of individual subscales, each representing a key symptom or feature of the condition, for a total possible score range of 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating greater severity. TSS assessments were conducted at baseline and 2 weeks (Study Endpoint) to determine the treatment's efficacy in reducing symptom severity.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Intervention Arm
n=35 Participants
All participants receive the topical scalp treatment containing Lactobacillus, honey, and turmeric. Adult participants apply the treatment daily for 14 days.
Efficacy Determined Using the Total Severity Scale (TSS) - Adult
Baseline
3.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.4
Efficacy Determined Using the Total Severity Scale (TSS) - Adult
Endpoint
1.8 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.0

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks (Study Endpoint)

The Total Severity Scale (TSS) evaluates the severity of dry scalp conditions by averaging individual scores for erythema, scaling, and pruritus of scalp lesions. Each component is scored on a 4-point scale, ranging from 0 (none) to 3 (severe). The TSS is calculated by summing the scores of individual subscales, each representing a key symptom or feature of the condition, for a total possible score range of 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating greater severity. TSS assessments were conducted at baseline and 2 weeks (Study Endpoint) to determine the treatment's efficacy in reducing symptom severity.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Intervention Arm
n=42 Participants
All participants receive the topical scalp treatment containing Lactobacillus, honey, and turmeric. Adult participants apply the treatment daily for 14 days.
Efficacy Determined Using the Total Severity Scale (TSS) - Child
Baseline
3.6 units on a scale
Interval 3.1 to 4.2
Efficacy Determined Using the Total Severity Scale (TSS) - Child
Endpoint
1.8 units on a scale
Interval 1.3 to 2.2

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Population: Although microbiome samples were collected, no laboratory analysis was conducted, and no data were generated for this outcome measure. As a result, there are no available results to report. There is absolutely no possibility of future analysis.

This exploratory outcome assesses whether the topical treatment alters the scalp microbiome to more closely resemble that of a healthy scalp. Scalp samples were collected at baseline and endpoint using swabs and analyzed with 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing for bacterial diversity and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing for fungal diversity. Colony counts were measured using the Replicate Organism Detection and Counting (RODAC) method to evaluate bacterial and fungal load changes.

Outcome measures

Outcome data not reported

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks (Study Endpoint)

Quality of life was assessed using the ScalpDex-23, a validated 23-item instrument designed to evaluate the impact of scalp dermatitis on symptoms, functioning, and emotions. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert-type scale ('Never' = 0, 'Rarely' = 25, 'Sometimes' = 50, 'Often' = 75, 'All the time' = 100), with higher scores indicating greater impairment. Subscale scores were calculated for Symptoms (7 items), Emotion (8 items), and Functioning (8 items) by averaging the respective item scores. The total ScalpDex-23 score was calculated as the average of the three subscale scores, yielding a final value ranging from 0 to 100. Assessments were conducted at Baseline and after 2 weeks (Study Endpoint) to measure changes over time.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Intervention Arm
n=35 Participants
All participants receive the topical scalp treatment containing Lactobacillus, honey, and turmeric. Adult participants apply the treatment daily for 14 days.
Quality of Life Change - Adult
Baseline
46 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 13.4
Quality of Life Change - Adult
Endpoint
39.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 10.3

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 1 week (Study midpoint)

Quality of life was assessed using the ScalpDex-23, a validated 23-item instrument designed to evaluate the impact of scalp dermatitis on symptoms, functioning, and emotions. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert-type scale ('Never' = 0, 'Rarely' = 25, 'Sometimes' = 50, 'Often' = 75, 'All the time' = 100), with higher scores indicating greater impairment. Subscale scores were calculated for Symptoms (7 items), Emotion (8 items), and Functioning (8 items) by averaging the respective item scores. The total ScalpDex-23 score was calculated as the average of the three subscale scores, yielding a final value ranging from 0 to 100. Originally, assessments were to be conducted at baseline and endpoint to measure changes in quality of life. However, for children, only midpoint data were collected, so change could not be measured.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Intervention Arm
n=42 Participants
All participants receive the topical scalp treatment containing Lactobacillus, honey, and turmeric. Adult participants apply the treatment daily for 14 days.
Quality of Life Change - Child
44.2 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 21.1

Adverse Events

Adults

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Children

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Additional Information

Lucy Bilaver, PhD

Northwestern University

Phone: 312-503-5618

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place