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Completed

NCT Number: NCT00176969

Response of Topical Capsaicin in Alopecia Areata

It has been postulated that Alopecia Areata (AA) is, at least in part, a neurologically mediated disease. Research supporting this theory includes the finding that nerves surrounding the hair follicles are collapsed. We want to take this research a step further and show that not only are these perifollicular nerves collapsed, but that their function is also impaired.

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Key information

Conditions

Alopecia Areata Alopecia Hair Diseases Hypotrichosis Skin Diseases Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Age range

18 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 4

Primary location

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

About this study

To assess the function of perifollicular scalp nerves in AA we will look at the response of these nerves to the topical medication capsaicin. Under normal circumstances topical capsaicin is known to target nerves in the peripheral nervous system causing short-term release of the neuropeptide Substance P (SP) as well as long-term transient depletion of SP. We expect the AA patients will respond abnormally to topical capsaicin treatment.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Must have alopecia totalis or universalis.
  • Be in good health.
  • Not be taking any medications including topical medications
  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Be willing to apply study medication or vehicle as directed, comply with instructions and commit to follow-up visits.
  • Not have had hair chemically treated (including colored hair, permed hair, etc) within the month prior to the study.

Exclusion criteria

  • Absence of extensive alopecia areata.
  • People not in good health.
  • People taking medications.
  • Allergies to capsaicin.
  • Presence of irritated or visibly inflamed scalp.
  • Having had hair chemically treated (including colored hair, permed hair, etc.) within the month prior to study.

Treatment and study plan

Capsaicin

Drug

Primary outcomes

  1. Topical capsaicin will quantitatively decrease the amount of Substance P in the scalp of AA patients.

Secondary outcomes

  1. The scalps of AA patients may be less sensitive to stimuli.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Minnesota

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Perifollicular Nerves in Alopecia Areata: Response to Topical Capsaicin

Important dates

Study start
1997
Study completion
2000
First posted
Sep 15, 2005
Registry last updated
Jun 2, 2014

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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