RecruitingPhase III/IVInterventional

A study to evaluate Adex Gel in the treatment of actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis is a common skin condition caused by years of sun exposure. It leads to dry, scaly, or rough patches, mostly on the face and scalp. This clinical trial is testing whether an approved moisturising treatment called Adex Gel can help soothe and improve these sun spots. Around 65 adults in England will take part through NHS GP practices. If you join, you will apply Adex Gel to the affected skin three times a day for 12 weeks. You will attend four appointments so doctors can check your skin's progress. You will also keep a daily diary and fill out short surveys about how the gel feels. Because Adex Gel is already approved in the UK, serious side effects are rare, though mild skin redness or tingling can happen. Taking part could help improve your skin and support care for others in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Phase III/IV

Sponsor

Dermal Laboratories Ltd

Enrolment target

Start

30 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Actinic keratosis

What is this study about?

Actinic keratosis is a very common skin condition in the UK. It happens when skin is damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun over many years. This damage often leads to small, rough, or scaly patches on areas regularly exposed to daylight, such as the face, ears, and scalp. While these patches are usually harmless, doctors like to treat or monitor them because a small number can turn into skin cancer if left alone.

Adex Gel is an emollient (a medical moisturiser) that contains ingredients designed to reduce swelling and soothe dry, irritated skin. It is already prescribed and sold in the UK. In this study, researchers want to see specifically how well it works for people who have dry, inflamed skin with actinic keratosis patches. They want to find out if using the gel regularly can reduce the roughness and help the skin look and feel healthier.

Many standard treatments for actinic keratosis can cause strong skin reactions, like severe peeling or soreness. Finding a gentle, everyday option that improves sun-damaged skin is valuable for both patients and the NHS. By joining this study, you could help doctors discover whether Adex Gel provides a simple, comfortable way to care for this condition.

Key takeaways

Tests whether an approved soothing gel (Adex Gel) improves rough sun spots on the face or scalp.
Open to adults aged 18 and older with fair to medium skin and multiple sun patches above the neck.
Lasts 12 weeks and involves four check-ups at an NHS GP practice in England.
Participants apply the gel three times daily and keep a simple treatment diary.
Adex Gel is already widely used, and side effects are usually limited to mild, temporary skin irritation.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and older who have fair to medium skin that tends to burn easily in the sun. To take part, you must have more than one visible actinic keratosis patch on your face, scalp, or neck, and your doctor must confirm that the patches are suitable for the study.

You cannot take part if you have other active skin conditions on your face or scalp, such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or severe acne, as these could make it hard to judge how well the gel is working. You must also be registered with or able to visit a participating NHS GP practice in England.

If you join, you will need to agree to avoid strong sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunlamps. You will also be asked not to take vitamin B3 (niacinamide) supplements and to avoid starting any new facial moisturisers, soaps, or make-up products while the trial is taking place.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 18 years old or older.
I have rough, scaly sun patches (actinic keratosis) on my face, scalp, or neck.
I have fair to medium skin that tends to burn easily in sunlight.
I do not have other facial skin problems, like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis.
I am happy to apply a gel three times a day and avoid heavy sun exposure for 12 weeks.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the study lasts for 12 weeks and involves four visits to a participating GP surgery. At these visits, a doctor will carefully examine your skin patches using a standard medical scoring system. You will receive tubes of Adex Gel to take home, with instructions to gently apply it to the affected skin three times each day. You will be asked to fill in a simple daily diary to track each time you use the gel. During your visits, you will also complete short questionnaires about your symptoms and your experience using the product.

Potential risks and benefits

You may benefit from taking part if Adex Gel helps soothe your dry skin and improves your actinic keratosis patches, though this cannot be guaranteed. Your involvement will also help improve treatment choices for future NHS patients. Because Adex Gel is already an approved medical product with a known safety profile, risks are generally low. Some people may notice mild, temporary skin reactions where the gel is applied, such as redness, itching, or a slight stinging sensation. Taking part is completely your choice, and you can leave the study at any time without giving a reason and without affecting your normal healthcare.

Locations (6)

The Univ of Nottingham Health Serv
City only
Nottingham, England
Burbage Surgery
Approximate
Hinckley, England
Brierley Park Medical Group, Skegby Site
City only
Sutton-in-ashfield, England
Chawton Park Surgery
Approximate
Alton, England
Beacon Medical Group
City only
Plymouth, England
Chilwell Valley and Meadows Practice, Chilwell Meadows Surgery
Unverified
Nottingham, England

Common questions

What is actinic keratosis?

It is a common skin condition caused by long-term sun exposure. It causes rough, scaly, or crusty patches, most often on the face, scalp, and hands.

Is Adex Gel an experimental new medicine?

No. Adex Gel is already an approved treatment in the UK used to moisturise and soothe inflamed skin. This study is testing how well it helps this specific condition.

Do I have to pay to take part in this study?

No. All study appointments, skin checks, and supplies of Adex Gel are provided free of charge.

Can I go out in the sun during the trial?

You should protect your skin from direct sunlight and avoid sunbathing or using tanning beds, as UV rays can affect both your skin condition and the study results.

What happens if I change my mind about taking part?

You are free to stop participating at any time. Simply let your study doctor know. Your regular NHS care will continue as normal.

How to find out more

Erika Houston

deni04@o4research.com +028 9024 4764 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.