Botox tested as a remedy for facial flushing
NCT ID NCT02216838
First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study investigates whether injections of botulinum toxin A (Botox) can treat persistent facial flushing. In a split-face design, each participant receives Botox on one side of the face and a saline placebo on the other, allowing direct comparison. The trial enrolls 16 adults aged 18 to 65 with ongoing facial flushing and measures changes using a spectrophotometer. As a pilot study, it aims to see if this approach is worth studying further.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- botulinum toxin A (Botox)
- What this could lead to
- If effective, Botox could offer a new option for people bothered by persistent facial redness.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 16 people, so results may not apply broadly. Botox injections carry risks like bruising or temporary muscle weakness.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
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16 people
The number who actually took part.
- Start date
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Aug 2014
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients 18-65 years of age with persistent facial flushing 2. Willing and have the ability to understand and provide informed consent for participation in the study and are able to communicate with the study staff. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to understand the protocol or give informed consent 2. Younger than 18 or older than 65 years of age 3. Females who are pregnant or lactating 4. Known hypersensitivity to BTX-A 5. Subjects using medications that interfere with neuromuscular functions (such as aminoglycoside antibiotics) 6. Subjects who have a history of congestive heart failure, carcinoid syndrome, mastocystosis, or renal cell carcinoma 7. Botulinum toxin injections in the past 6 months 8. Ablative laser procedure in the past 6 months 9. Radiofrequency device treatment in the past 6 months 10. Ultrasound device treatment in the past 6 months 11. Medium to deep chemical peel in the past 6 months 12. Temporary soft tissue augmentation material in the area to be treated in the past year 13. Semi-permanent soft tissue augmentation material in the area to be treated in the past 2 years 14. Permanent soft tissue augmentation material in the area to be treated 15. Is planning to receive within the next 6 months, any cosmetic procedure (such as any chemical peels, botulinum toxin injections, ablative or non-ablative laser procedures, filler injections, radiofrequency procedures, dermabrasion, ultrasound and face lifting procedures) in the forehead or glabellar region. 16. Is planning to use tretinoin or retinoic acid in the next 6 months 17. Has an active infection in the forehead or glabellar region (excluding mild acne) 18. Is allergic to cow's milk protein 19. Is allergic to albumin 20. Is currently using anticoagulation therapy 21. Has a history of bleeding disorders
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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
Locations
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Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology
Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States