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Scalp Psoriasis Treatment With a Fiber Optic Comb

This study has been completed.

Sponsored by: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Information provided by: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00007293
  Purpose

This study will test the safety and effectiveness of a novel fiber optic device for treating scalp psoriasis with ultraviolet (UV-B) light. A effective treatment is not currently available for people with scalp psoriasis. Present methods for treating psoriasis with UV-B light cannot be used for the scalp because hair is usually blocking the light from reaching the affected skin. Our method overcomes this problem with the use of a comb that has optical fibers to deliver light directly to the skin. We will evaluate this device in a clinical setting and will use the results to tailor the design of the comb before producing it in large quantities.


Condition Intervention Phase
Psoriasis
Device: UV-B Lightsource and Fiber Optic Comb
Phase I
Phase II

MedlinePlus related topics:   Psoriasis   

ChemIDplus related topics:   Calcium polycarbophil    Psyllium   

U.S. FDA Resources

Study Type:   Interventional
Study Design:   Treatment, Non-Randomized, Single Blind, Dose Comparison, Single Group Assignment, Safety/Efficacy Study
Official Title:   Phototherapy of Psoriasis of the Scalp With a UV-B Emitting Fiber Optic Comb

Further study details as provided by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS):

Estimated Enrollment:   30
Study Start Date:   August 2000
Estimated Study Completion Date:   July 2002

Detailed Description:

Scalp psoriasis can be treated with a novel fiber optic delivery system that irradiates the psoriatic scalp of patients with UV-B light via an optical fiber comb. Current methods for treatment of psoriasis with light are not applicable to the scalp because hair is usually blocking the light from reaching the affected skin. Our method overcomes this problem with the use of a comb that has optical fibers to deliver light directly to the skin. We have developed a UV-B light source and a fiber optic comb for use in clinics and doctors' offices. We will evaluate this device in a clinical setting.

The results of this trial will provide data about the effectiveness of the device. We will use these results to tailor the design before it is ready for volume production. If successful, the UV-B light source and fiber optic comb will provide treatment to people affected with scalp psoriasis. At present, these people do not have any effective treatment available to them.

  Eligibility
Ages Eligible for Study:   18 Years and older
Genders Eligible for Study:   Both
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:   No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Subjects of either sex and any race or ethnic background with chronic, stable, bilateral psoriasis of the scalp.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Subjects who are currently taking systemic medications for psoriasis (e.g., methotrexate, retinoids).
  • Subjects who are currently using or have used topical medications other than emollients in the past 6 weeks on their scalp.
  • Patients with pustular psoriasis, known photosensitivity disorders, lupus erythematosus, or unstable major illnesses preventing participation in the study.
  Contacts and Locations

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00007293

Locations
United States, Massachusetts
Massachusetts General Hospital    
      Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02114-2696

Sponsors and Collaborators
  More Information

Publications:

Study ID Numbers:   R44 AR44449, NIAMS-049
First Received:   December 16, 2000
Last Updated:   January 2, 2007
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:   NCT00007293
Health Authority:   United States: Federal Government

Keywords provided by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS):
Phototherapy  
Psoriasis  
Scalp psoriasis  
Fiber optic
Light comb
UV source

Study placed in the following topic categories:
Skin Diseases
Psoriasis
Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous

ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on August 21, 2008




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