Gentle Wounding for Hair Growth

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen ByLuis Garza, MD, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase < 1

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The investigators have extensive evidence in mouse that wounding leads to the generation of new hair follicles in the skin. This can be an important new therapy for patients with scarring, but especially those with alopecia. The question is whether gentle wounding in human subjects can cause the generation of a new hair follicle. The plan is to first carefully map a small area of the scalp without hair follicles. Investigators will then try various modalities of gentle wounding (including fractionated Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser, mild curetting) of the surface epithelium in the presence and absence of FDA approved topical medications (including retinoids). Investigators will then prospectively monitor the area for hair growth both by noninvasive visual monitoring (including photographs and dermoscopy) and biopsies. The outcomes of this study hopefully will allow new therapies for especially scarring alopecia conditions where hair follicles are completely lost and there are no current therapies.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 with a clinical diagnosis of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) grades 2-4. Participants must be healthy, able to follow the study's protocol and visit schedule, and not have any skin conditions or tattoos in the treatment area. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with allergies to local anesthetics or antiseptics used in procedures, and anyone at risk due to medical conditions are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

My CCCA is graded between 2 and 4.

I have been diagnosed with CCCA.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had issues with blood clotting in the past.

I have had issues with abnormal scarring or keloids in the last 10 years.

I am willing to avoid certain hair treatments like dyes or perms.

I have scars, sunburn, cuts, or tattoos on my scalp where treatment is planned.

I am allergic to certain local anesthetics or antiseptics used in medical procedures.

I am an adult under guardianship or currently institutionalized or deprived of freedom.

I am unable to communicate or cooperate with my doctor due to language barriers or mental impairments.

Participant Groups

The study tests if gentle wounding on the scalp can stimulate new hair growth in humans as it does in mice. It involves mapping bald areas of the scalp then applying treatments like CO2 laser and retinoic acid. The treated areas will be monitored visually and through biopsies to check for hair regrowth.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Subjects with alopecia-- area un-treatedExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

One area will be un-treated

Group II: Subjects with alopecia-- area treatedExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

One area will be treated