RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Trichoscopy and Systemic Scleroderma

This study is investigating how a simple, non-invasive scalp examination, called "trichoscopy," can help doctors understand systemic scleroderma. Systemic scleroderma is a long-term condition that affects the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs. We don't know much about how it affects the scalp and hair, or if scalp issues are linked to other problems in scleroderma. Trichoscopy uses a special magnifying tool to look closely at the scalp and hair. It's a quick and painless procedure that's already used in skin clinics. This research aims to see if trichoscopy can be a useful tool for checking on people with systemic scleroderma and provide new information about their condition.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Lille

Enrolment target

200

Start

08 Nov 2021

Estimated completion

01 May 2026

Scleroderma, Systemic

What is this study about?

This study wants to learn more about how systemic scleroderma, a condition that affects blood vessels, skin, and sometimes internal organs, impacts the scalp and hair. Currently, there isn't much information about scalp changes in people with scleroderma, or whether these changes are related to other symptoms of the condition.

The researchers are using a technique called "trichoscopy." This is a simple, pain-free way to look closely at your scalp and hair using a special magnified camera. Think of it like a dermatologist using a magnifying glass, but much more powerful. It's a common tool already used by skin specialists to check out hair and scalp issues.

The main goal of this study is to see if trichoscopy can give doctors useful new information about people with systemic scleroderma. They want to find out if this simple test can help them understand the condition better and potentially lead to better ways of monitoring or treating it in the future.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on understanding hair and scalp health in systemic scleroderma.
It uses a pain-free, magnified camera called trichoscopy.
The goal is to see if trichoscopy can offer new insights into scleroderma.
No new medications are given, and participation is low-risk.
Your involvement could help improve future understanding and care for scleroderma patients.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, 18 years or older, and have been diagnosed with systemic scleroderma using specific medical guidelines from 2013. You must also be able to understand the study and agree to take part by signing a consent form. It's also required that you are covered by social insurance.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. If you are under 18, or if you are in a situation where you can't make your own decisions (for example, if you're under legal guardianship or in emergency care), you can't participate. You also can't be in the study if you refuse to give your consent or are unable to.

For the group of people who don't have scleroderma but are helping as a comparison group, they cannot have an active scalp skin condition on the day of the examination.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with systemic scleroderma?
Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part?
Are you covered by social insurance?
Are you not currently in an emergency medical situation?
Are you able to make your own medical decisions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main thing you'll be doing is having a trichoscopy examination. This involves a doctor or nurse using a special magnifying tool to look closely at your scalp and hair. It's a quick and painless visual check, and no hair will be removed. We don't have details on how many visits or how long the study will last, but generally, trichoscopy is a one-time assessment. You won't be given any new medications as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study involves very little risk, as trichoscopy is a non-invasive and painless procedure. There are no known direct risks to your health. A potential benefit is that your participation could help doctors learn more about systemic scleroderma and potentially lead to better understanding and care for people with the condition in the future. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hop Claude Huriez Chu Lille
Verified postcode
Lille, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is systemic scleroderma?

Systemic scleroderma is a long-term condition that causes the immune system to attack certain parts of the body. It can lead to hardened patches of skin and can affect blood vessels and internal organs like the lungs, heart, or kidneys.

What is trichoscopy?

Trichoscopy is a simple, painless way for doctors to look very closely at your scalp and hair using a special magnified camera. It helps them see details that aren't visible to the naked eye.

Will this study involve any painful procedures?

No, the trichoscopy examination is non-invasive and painless. It's just a visual check of your scalp and hair.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve giving you any new medications. It's purely an observational study focused on the trichoscopy examination.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

The information provided suggests the main part of the study is a single trichoscopy examination. The total duration of your participation would likely be short, possibly just one visit, though this isn't specified in detail.

How to find out more

Vincent Sobanski, MD

vincent.sobanski@chru-lille.fr 0320445962 Official trial record

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