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A Mechanistic Evaluation of the Nociceptive Desensitizing Properties of Topical Capsaicin

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Lidocaine
Capsaicin
Ultaviolet B Light Burn
Neuropathic Pain
Interventions
Other: Histamine 1%
Radiation: Ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation
Registration Number
NCT03587220
Lead Sponsor
Aalborg University
Brief Summary

The aim of this project is to study the role of transient receptor potential (TRP-) channel V1 (TRPV1+) fibers in the development of cutaneous inflammation induced by epidermal Ultraviolet-B damage. Moreover, in this project the investigators want to evaluate if the capsaicin-desensitization action can still be induced in a skin area pretreated with topical, local anesthetic lidocaine.

Detailed Description

In this project the Ultraviolet- B pain model, a model using type B ultraviolet rays to induce a first-degree sunburn, will be used to induce a non-specific inflammation in the skin. This model is well-known to produce both peripheral and central hyperalgesia through sensitization of peripheral and central nociceptors. Capsaicin, the active substance in chili peppers, is currently used to treat peripheral neuropathic pain, and prolonged application of 8% capsaicin patch causes profound desensitization to painful heat stimuli and itch provocations. Therefore, the investigators would like to monitor the development of unspecific UVB-cutaneous inflammation and consequent neurogenic flare in a capsaicin pre-treated area. Moreover the investigators want to test if pre-treating the skin with lidocaine can reduce the pain associated with the capsaicin application without affecting its desensitization action.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
44
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Capsaicin + EMLA groupCapsaicin TopicalAll subjects will be pre-treated with lidocain cream before capsaicin application
Capsaicin + EMLA groupHistamine 1%All subjects will be pre-treated with lidocain cream before capsaicin application
Capsaicin+UVB groupCapsaicin TopicalAll subjects will be treated with capsaicin, placebo + UVB, or Capsaicin+UVB.
Capsaicin+UVB groupUltraviolet-B (UVB) irradiationAll subjects will be treated with capsaicin, placebo + UVB, or Capsaicin+UVB.
Capsaicin + EMLA groupLidocaineAll subjects will be pre-treated with lidocain cream before capsaicin application
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Superficial blood perfusion measured by a Speckle contrast imager (FLPI, Moor Instruments, England).Changes from baseline to 7 days after intervention
Measurement of Warm Detection Thresholds and Heat thresholds by using a PATHWAY ATS (Medoc Ltd, Israel) thermal sensory testing device.Changes from baseline to 7 days after intervention
Measurement of Pain to Supra-threshold Heat Stimuli by using a PATHWAY ATS (Medoc Ltd, Israel) thermal sensory testing device.Changes from baseline to 7 days after intervention
Measurement of Mechanical Pain Thresholds and Sensitivity using a pin-prick set consisting of 8 needles each having a diameter of 0.6 mm and different force applications: 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, 6.4, 12.8, 25.6, 50.1 and 60.0 g.Changes from baseline to 7 days after intervention
Trans-epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) using a 2x2 cm probe to measure the humidity gradient of the skin.Changes from baseline to 7 days after intervention
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
assessment of pain rating by using a visual analog scales (VAS)Change from baseline to 24 h

The subject will report the peak and average of the perceived pain sensation during the last 24 hours (on a VAs scale from 0 indicating 'no pain' to100 indicating 'worst imaginable pain').

Itch rating by using a visual analog scales (VAS)Changes from baseline to 7 days after intervention

Itch is monitored for 9 minutes using a visual analog scale from 0 indicating 'no itch' to100 indicating 'worst imaginable itch.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Silvia Lo Vecchio

🇩🇰

Aalborg, Nordjylland, Denmark

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