Occlusion vs Standard Treatment for the Treatment of Herpes Zoster

Last updated: February 26, 2020
Sponsor: Fundación Nacional para la Enseñanza y la Investigación de la Dermatología A.C.
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Chickenpox (Varicella Zoster Infection)

Shingles

Rash

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT04258930
FNEIDAC-HZ-122-19
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

This study evaluates the addition of occlusive dressings (hydrocolloids) or topical silicone gel in the treatment of shingles (herpes zoster). One third of the participants will receive a hydrocolloid occlusive dressing, one third will receive the topical silicone gel and one third will receive the current treatment of the rash consisting of drying solutions (soaks).

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Patients with clinical diagnosis of HZ confirmed by a certified dermatologist

  • Patients having maximum 72 hours from the start of the first vesicle

  • Older than 18 years

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Patients with dimethicone allergy

  • Patients with hydrocolloid allergy

  • Patients with acetaminophen allergy

  • Patients with aluminium sulphate and calcium acetate allergy

  • Patients with acyclovir allergy

  • Pregnant women

  • Breastfeeding women

  • Unable to give informed consent

  • Patients with signs of infection over the skin rash

  • Patients with disseminated HZ

  • Patients with hemorrhagic HZ

  • Patients with complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis

  • Patients unable to apply the treatment to the affected area

  • Patients with HZ-associated keratitis

  • Patients whose rash is located to hairy areas that may hinder occlusion with thehydrocolloid dressing.

Study Design

Total Participants: 36
Study Start date:
February 26, 2020
Estimated Completion Date:
January 31, 2022

Study Description

Herpes zoster (HZ), also known shingles, is a viral disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is considered a local reactivation of varicella (chicken pox). The rash of herpes zoster is characterized by vesicles that appear following a single dermatome (the territory that is innervated by one spinal nerve). These vesicles may be very painful and cause discomfort due to draining and crusting. When a person becomes sick with shingles healthcare professionals prescribe systemic (oral) treatment with antivirals (e.g. acyclovir) and pain medication according to the type and severity. To treat the local lesions caused by shingles, over the centuries, patients have been treated with drying solutions and drying powders. This practice has been passed on through the years without any evidence supporting its effectiveness, in all likelihood due to the fact that the rash is self-limited to 2 to 3 weeks. Recently, new evidence has shown that the vesicles that appear with the shingles rash are not superficial but involve deeper areas of the skin and should be considered partial thickness wounds. Since 1962, it has become clear that partial thickness wounds benefit from occlusive therapy (keeping wounds closed and avoiding drying) such as dressings and occlusive gels that keep the wound wet rather than allowing it to dry.

In this clinical trial the investigators believe that given this information, using occlusive therapy with a hydrocolloid dressing or a silicone-based gel may heal the rash of herpes zoster, decrease pain and improve the quality of life, much faster than the treatment currently used of drying the area with powders and solutions.

Connect with a study center

  • Hospital General Dr Manuel Gea González

    Mexico, DF 14080
    Mexico

    Active - Recruiting

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.