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Zinc Oxide vs. Petrolatum for Scarring

Phase < 1
Recruiting
Led By Lina Husienzad, MD
Research Sponsored by Lina Husienzad
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
End to end symmetry (surgical site is not grossly asymmetric from end to end)
≥ 18 years of age
Must not have
Grossly infected surgical site
≤ 18 years
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up six months post-operative follow-up
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing whether zinc oxide or petrolatum is more effective in healing scars. Patients will apply either zinc oxide or petrolatum to one half of their scar daily for a month and keep a log of their activities. They will be seen at 1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months post-operatively for photographic scar assessment and to complete the patient portion of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Trained observers will score the observer portion of the scale.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults who've had routine skin surgery with a straight-line scar at least 4.5cm long on non-scalp areas. The surgical site must be symmetrical and not visibly infected. People under 18 or those allergic to topical zinc oxide, as well as those with grossly infected scars or visibly asymmetric scars, cannot participate.
What is being tested?
The study compares the effects of zinc oxide ointment versus petrolatum (a moisturizing agent) on post-surgical scarring. Participants will apply these treatments to different halves of their scar daily for a month and attend follow-up visits for photographic assessments and scoring using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects may include skin irritation or an allergic reaction where the ointments are applied, especially in individuals sensitive to ingredients in zinc oxide.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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My surgical site looks the same on both ends.
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I am 18 years old or older.
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My surgery scar is at least 4.5 cm long.
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My treatment site does not show signs of infection.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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My surgical wound is severely infected.
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I am 18 years old or younger.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, six months post-operatively
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, six months post-operatively for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Change in % epidermal linear seal between weeks 1 and 4 post-operative
POSAS (patient and observer scar assessment score)
POSAS (patient and observer scar assessment score) change between 8 weeks and six months
+1 more
Secondary study objectives
Communicable Diseases

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Single arm - split scar studyExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Surgical closures, at least 4.5cm in length, will be split and zinc oxide ointment applied to half and petrolatum ointment to the other half

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Lina HusienzadLead Sponsor
University of PittsburghLead Sponsor
1,789 Previous Clinical Trials
16,359,593 Total Patients Enrolled
Lauren CrowLead Sponsor
~6 spots leftby Sep 2025
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