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Study on Topical Medications and Skin Bacteria

This study is looking at how common topical medications, Desonide 0.05% ointment (a steroid) and Ketoconazole 2% cream (an antifungal), affect the bacteria and other microorganisms (microbiome) on healthy human skin. We want to see if short-term use of these medications changes the types and amounts of bacteria present. You can join if you are at least 18 years old and do not have chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. The main goal is to count the number of different bacteria species after two weeks of using the medications. The current status of this study is unclear, and it plans to enroll 24 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study, meaning participants will receive a specific treatment. It plans to enroll 24 participants.
What's involved
Participants will apply either Desonide 0.05% ointment or Ketoconazole 2% cream topically twice daily for two weeks.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoint is measured at 2 weeks after initial dispensing of the medication.

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NCT03437005

Alternation in the Human Microbiome With Commonly Used Topical Medications

Recruiting
PHASE1Ages 18+InterventionalBasic science
University of California, Davis
~24 participants
Updated 2026-02-20 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Desonide 0.05%Ketoconazole 2%

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Number of bacteria per each species
Measured over 2 weeks after initial dispensing

Conditions

Healthy

Explore related trials

Healthy

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
California1

Study leadership

  • Emanual Maverakis, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · UC Davis

Who to contact

Emanual Maverakis, MD
[email protected]
916-734-8254
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Exclusion

Individuals with known chronically active skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, other autoimmune and inflammatory skin conditions.
Patients with a history of skin cancer, multiple nevi, or other isolated lesions will not be excluded.
Individuals who have used topical, intravenous, intramuscular, or oral antibiotics within the last 6 months
Individuals with known allergies to any of the study medications.
Individuals younger than 18 years of age.
Adults unable to consent
Non-English speaking individuals. Given the complexity in the instructions that subjects will need to follow for proper sample collection, we will not seek to recruit non-English speaking individuals for this pilot study.
Prisoners

What this trial measures

  • Number of bacteria per each species2 weeks after initial dispensing

    Percentage of various bacteria present on each skin site