Who is eligible for clinical trial NCT01976286?

Participants must meet protocol criteria for Melanosis. Confirm exact inclusion and exclusion requirements with the study coordinator.

Does clinical trial NCT01976286 provide travel or cost reimbursement?

Check with the site coordinator at the participating facility for travel and lodging stipend availability, and for which routine-care costs are covered.

🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2026-06-29

A Pilot Study Testing Salicylic Acid Peels Versus Glycolic Acid Peels for the Treatment of Melasma (NCT01976286)

🔵 Active, Not Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic 📋 Clinical Research Protocol Sponsor: Northwestern University

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The purpose of this study is to find out the safety and effectiveness of Glycolic Acid Chemical Peels compared to Salicylic Acid Chemical Peels for the treatment of melasma.

Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (5 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (11 items).

Location: Northwestern University Department of Dermatology — Chicago, Illinois

📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Check every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).

Subjects aged 18 years or older
Subjects with at least a 2 x 2 cm patch of melasma on each side of the face (forehead or cheek)
Subjects in general good health
Subjects must be willing and able to understand and provide informed consent for the use of their tissue and communicate with the investigator
Subjects must be willing to not apply other treatment options for melasma during the course of the study

Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:

Exclusion Criteria:
Subjects under 18 years of age
Subjects who are pregnant and/or lactating
Subjects who are unable to understand the protocol or to give informed consent
Subjects diagnosed with mental illness
Subjects who have concurrent active uncontrolled disease to facial area (i.e uncontrolled acne)
Subjects who have had a chemical peel in the past 3 months
Subjects who have used a prescribed retinoid in the past 3 months
Subjects with a bleeding disorder
Subjects with a history of abnormal wound healing
Subjects with a history of abnormal scarring

🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.

📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

Northwestern University Department of Dermatology — Chicago, Illinois

💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

🏛️ View Official NIH Record ↗