Studying how healthy skin reacts to a new LED light device
We are testing a new device that uses LED light to understand how healthy skin reacts to different types of light. Currently, measuring skin's reaction to light can be expensive and time-consuming. This new device aims to be quicker and more affordable. We need healthy volunteers to help us establish what a 'normal' skin reaction looks like. This will then allow us to use the device to help people with light-sensitive skin conditions. By taking part, you'll help gather important information that could lead to better and faster ways for doctors to understand and treat skin problems caused by light.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Doctors often need to understand how a person's skin reacts to different types of light. This is especially true for people who have skin conditions made worse by sunlight or other light sources. Currently, the way they test this can be quite slow and expensive, making it harder for doctors to get the information they need quickly.
We have developed a new, simpler device that uses LED lights to do these tests. It's designed to be much faster and cheaper than the older methods. But before we can use it to help patients with light-sensitive skin, we need to make sure we understand how it works on healthy skin. This is where you come in – by participating, you'll help us gather important information about 'normal' skin reactions to light from our new device.
The information we collect from healthy volunteers will create a baseline. This baseline will be crucial for doctors to compare against when testing people with skin conditions later on. If this new device proves to be successful, it means patients could get tested more quickly and comfortably, helping doctors provide the best possible care for their skin issues.
Key takeaways
- Help test a new, quicker light device for skin sensitivity.
- Aims to improve care for people with light-sensitive skin.
- Involves shining harmless light on your back over several visits.
- Expect some temporary redness or tanning on your skin.
- Your safety is a top priority, and you can withdraw anytime.
Who may be eligible?
We are looking for healthy adult men and women, aged 18 or older. It's important that you can understand what the study involves and are happy to follow the study instructions and attend all visits.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you're taking certain medicines or supplements that make your skin sensitive to light, or if you've recently used tanning products or had a lot of sun exposure on your back. We also can't include you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of certain serious health conditions, or are currently taking illegal drugs.
Essentially, we need people with generally healthy skin on their back that hasn't been recently exposed to too much sun or other treatments, so we can get clear and accurate readings from our new device.
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?
- Do you have generally healthy skin on your back?
- Are you able to attend all study appointments?
- Have you avoided sunbeds or tanning on your back recently?
- Are you currently pregnant or breastfeeding? (If yes, you cannot join).
- Are you taking any medications that make your skin sensitive to light? (If yes, you cannot join).
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, your first visit will involve a full explanation of the study. If you're happy to proceed, you'll sign a consent form. We'll ask you some questions about your health, any medicines you're taking, and your sun exposure. We'll also do a quick check of your back. This first visit will last about 30 minutes.
For your second visit, we'll gently shine different types of light (like those in sunlight, but carefully controlled) on small areas of your lower back. This is painless and similar to tests doctors already do. Each light exposure will last a few minutes up to half an hour. We'll then look at your skin and might use a small, painless device, like a camera, to check its colour. This visit will take up to three and a half hours, and we'll ask you to come back the next day.
On your third visit, we'll check your skin again and might shine more lights on your back, similar to visit two. This visit also lasts up to three and a half hours, and you might need to return for a fourth visit. For most people, the fourth visit will be short (around 15 minutes) for a final check. Occasionally, if your skin didn't react enough before, we might need to apply more light, making this visit up to two and a half hours. If extra light is used, a very short (15-minute) fifth visit might be needed. You won't be given any medication as part of this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Ninewells HospitalApproximateDundee, Scotland
Common questions
What is an LED-based phototest device?
It's a new machine that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to shine different kinds of light on your skin to see how it reacts.
Will the light cause me pain?
No, the light exposures are painless. You might see some redness on your skin afterwards, like a mild sunburn.
How long will the redness last?
Usually, the redness goes away within a few days, but sometimes it can last for weeks or even months. Your skin might also get a temporary tan.
Do I need to take any medicine for this study?
No, you won't need to take any medicines or supplements as part of this study.
Where is this study taking place?
The study is happening at the Photobiology Unit at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, Scotland.
How to find out more
Susan Yule
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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