Could a common acne gel help stop scarring hair loss?
NCT ID NCT05416333
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This early-phase study tests whether azelaic acid gel, a topical medication already used for acne, can help women with central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) — a type of scarring hair loss that mainly affects Black women. Eighteen women will use the gel on their scalp once daily for six months, and researchers will measure changes in hair loss and regrowth using photos. The goal is to see if azelaic acid's anti-inflammatory effects might improve hair growth and reduce disease symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
azelaic acid gel (applied to the scalp once daily)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new topical treatment option for CCCA, a scarring hair loss condition that currently has limited therapies.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small pilot study with only 18 women. It is designed to see if azelaic acid shows any promise, not to prove effectiveness. Results may not apply to all patients or lead to a proven treatment.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Wake Forest University Health Scieces
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States