Cleansing Device for the Treatment of Scalp and Hair Conditions

NCT ID: NCT05319444

Last Updated: 2025-12-17

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

SUSPENDED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

40 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2026-05-01

Study Completion Date

2026-11-30

Brief Summary

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The objective of this study is to evaluate an improvement of scalp health after the use of an investigational off-label WaterPik and brush device aimed to massage and cleanse the scalp.

Detailed Description

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Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff are skin conditions that present with common features and respond similarly to treatments. Dandruff involves flaking skin that can cause irritation and itching. Dandruff only involves the scalp, whereas seborrheic dermatitis can occur on the scalp, face, chest, and retro-auricular areas. Seborrheic dermatitis can also result in itching and flaking, as well as inflammation and erythema. Both dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are known to be harmful to the scalp.

Despite shampoo and washing, one may still continue to have flaking and scale present on the scalp. There are numerous scalp massages and brushes on the consumer market. Waterpik® was FDA approved in 2018 to provide pressured water combined with a powered toothbrush for optimal plaque and particle removal when cleaning the mouth and teeth. Waterpik® now has several products on the market designed for oral health, pet care, and washing in the shower. The off-label design utilizes the Waterpik® device, but with adjustments optimized for scalp health.

Through the investigational use of the off-label WaterPik® and brush device, the investigators propose the technique of massage and gentle water pressure will reduce seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff on the scalp.

Conditions

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Dandruff Seborrheic Dermatitis Hair Loss

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Outcome Assessors

Study Groups

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Healthy Scalp and one treatment

Participants with healthy scalps who will receive one treatment with the device and complete one in-person follow-up.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Off-brand Waterpik®

Intervention Type DEVICE

Study staff will use the Waterpik® device and brush for approximately two to five minutes on the participant's scalp until all scale and other debris appears to be resolved. Their scalp will then be rinsed and gently dried with a towel.

The off-label design utilizes the Waterpik® device, but with adjustments optimized for scalp health. The device settings are adjustable during the treatment, ranging from settings of 2-10. Study staff plan to utilize the setting of 10 unless the participant indicates discomfort. Investigators attached a small Losophy brush in replacement of the Waterpik® toothbrush. The small Losophy brush was connected to the device via PVC heat shrink and a hole was drilled on the brush in order to deliver water while simultaneously utilizing the brush on the scalp.

Healthy Scalp and three treatments

Participants with healthy scalps who will receive three treatments with the device and complete one in-person follow-up.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Off-brand Waterpik®

Intervention Type DEVICE

Study staff will use the Waterpik® device and brush for approximately two to five minutes on the participant's scalp until all scale and other debris appears to be resolved. Their scalp will then be rinsed and gently dried with a towel.

The off-label design utilizes the Waterpik® device, but with adjustments optimized for scalp health. The device settings are adjustable during the treatment, ranging from settings of 2-10. Study staff plan to utilize the setting of 10 unless the participant indicates discomfort. Investigators attached a small Losophy brush in replacement of the Waterpik® toothbrush. The small Losophy brush was connected to the device via PVC heat shrink and a hole was drilled on the brush in order to deliver water while simultaneously utilizing the brush on the scalp.

Dandruff and one treatment

Participants with dandruff who will receive one treatment with the device and complete one in-person follow-up.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Off-brand Waterpik®

Intervention Type DEVICE

Study staff will use the Waterpik® device and brush for approximately two to five minutes on the participant's scalp until all scale and other debris appears to be resolved. Their scalp will then be rinsed and gently dried with a towel.

The off-label design utilizes the Waterpik® device, but with adjustments optimized for scalp health. The device settings are adjustable during the treatment, ranging from settings of 2-10. Study staff plan to utilize the setting of 10 unless the participant indicates discomfort. Investigators attached a small Losophy brush in replacement of the Waterpik® toothbrush. The small Losophy brush was connected to the device via PVC heat shrink and a hole was drilled on the brush in order to deliver water while simultaneously utilizing the brush on the scalp.

Dandruff and three treatments

Participants with dandruff who will receive three treatments with the device and complete one in-person follow-up.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Off-brand Waterpik®

Intervention Type DEVICE

Study staff will use the Waterpik® device and brush for approximately two to five minutes on the participant's scalp until all scale and other debris appears to be resolved. Their scalp will then be rinsed and gently dried with a towel.

The off-label design utilizes the Waterpik® device, but with adjustments optimized for scalp health. The device settings are adjustable during the treatment, ranging from settings of 2-10. Study staff plan to utilize the setting of 10 unless the participant indicates discomfort. Investigators attached a small Losophy brush in replacement of the Waterpik® toothbrush. The small Losophy brush was connected to the device via PVC heat shrink and a hole was drilled on the brush in order to deliver water while simultaneously utilizing the brush on the scalp.

Hair loss disease and one treatment

Participants with hair loss disease who will receive one treatment with the device and complete one in-person follow-up.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Off-brand Waterpik®

Intervention Type DEVICE

Study staff will use the Waterpik® device and brush for approximately two to five minutes on the participant's scalp until all scale and other debris appears to be resolved. Their scalp will then be rinsed and gently dried with a towel.

The off-label design utilizes the Waterpik® device, but with adjustments optimized for scalp health. The device settings are adjustable during the treatment, ranging from settings of 2-10. Study staff plan to utilize the setting of 10 unless the participant indicates discomfort. Investigators attached a small Losophy brush in replacement of the Waterpik® toothbrush. The small Losophy brush was connected to the device via PVC heat shrink and a hole was drilled on the brush in order to deliver water while simultaneously utilizing the brush on the scalp.

Seborrheic Dermatitis with one treatment

Participants with seborrheic dermatitis disease who will receive one treatment with the device and complete one in-person follow-up.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Off-brand Waterpik®

Intervention Type DEVICE

Study staff will use the Waterpik® device and brush for approximately two to five minutes on the participant's scalp until all scale and other debris appears to be resolved. Their scalp will then be rinsed and gently dried with a towel.

The off-label design utilizes the Waterpik® device, but with adjustments optimized for scalp health. The device settings are adjustable during the treatment, ranging from settings of 2-10. Study staff plan to utilize the setting of 10 unless the participant indicates discomfort. Investigators attached a small Losophy brush in replacement of the Waterpik® toothbrush. The small Losophy brush was connected to the device via PVC heat shrink and a hole was drilled on the brush in order to deliver water while simultaneously utilizing the brush on the scalp.

Seborrheic Dermatitis and three treatments

Participants with seborrheic dermatitis who will receive three treatments with the device and complete one in-person follow-up.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Off-brand Waterpik®

Intervention Type DEVICE

Study staff will use the Waterpik® device and brush for approximately two to five minutes on the participant's scalp until all scale and other debris appears to be resolved. Their scalp will then be rinsed and gently dried with a towel.

The off-label design utilizes the Waterpik® device, but with adjustments optimized for scalp health. The device settings are adjustable during the treatment, ranging from settings of 2-10. Study staff plan to utilize the setting of 10 unless the participant indicates discomfort. Investigators attached a small Losophy brush in replacement of the Waterpik® toothbrush. The small Losophy brush was connected to the device via PVC heat shrink and a hole was drilled on the brush in order to deliver water while simultaneously utilizing the brush on the scalp.

Hair loss disease and three treatments

Participants with hair loss disease who will receive three treatments with the device and complete one in-person follow-up.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Off-brand Waterpik®

Intervention Type DEVICE

Study staff will use the Waterpik® device and brush for approximately two to five minutes on the participant's scalp until all scale and other debris appears to be resolved. Their scalp will then be rinsed and gently dried with a towel.

The off-label design utilizes the Waterpik® device, but with adjustments optimized for scalp health. The device settings are adjustable during the treatment, ranging from settings of 2-10. Study staff plan to utilize the setting of 10 unless the participant indicates discomfort. Investigators attached a small Losophy brush in replacement of the Waterpik® toothbrush. The small Losophy brush was connected to the device via PVC heat shrink and a hole was drilled on the brush in order to deliver water while simultaneously utilizing the brush on the scalp.

Interventions

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Off-brand Waterpik®

Study staff will use the Waterpik® device and brush for approximately two to five minutes on the participant's scalp until all scale and other debris appears to be resolved. Their scalp will then be rinsed and gently dried with a towel.

The off-label design utilizes the Waterpik® device, but with adjustments optimized for scalp health. The device settings are adjustable during the treatment, ranging from settings of 2-10. Study staff plan to utilize the setting of 10 unless the participant indicates discomfort. Investigators attached a small Losophy brush in replacement of the Waterpik® toothbrush. The small Losophy brush was connected to the device via PVC heat shrink and a hole was drilled on the brush in order to deliver water while simultaneously utilizing the brush on the scalp.

Intervention Type DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Participants must qualify for one of the following scalp conditions based on clinical opinion of a board-certified dermatologist: healthy scalp, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or hair loss disease
* All Women of Child Bearing Potential must indicate use of two of the following contraceptive methods. The WaterPik device uses an ultrasonic technology which includes ultrasound. Unnecessary ultrasound is not recommended for pregnant women.

* Combined (estrogen and progestogen containing) hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation (oral, intravaginal, or transdermal)
* Progestogen-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation (oral, injectable, or implantable)
* Intrauterine device (IUD)
* Intraurerine hormone-releasing system (IUS)
* Vasectomized partner
* Sexual abstinence
* Barrier method, such as a condom

Exclusion Criteria

* Non-English speaking
* Exclusion related to pregnancy, lactation, or plans to become pregnant over the course of the study (based on self-report from the participant)
* Current clinical condition that, in the opinion of the site investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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University of Minnesota

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

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Ronda Farah, MD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Dermatology

Maria Hordinsky, MD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Dermatology

Locations

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University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Site Status

Countries

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United States

Other Identifiers

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DERM-2021-29445

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id