Abstract

Introduction: Dandruff is a mild form of scalp seborrheic dermatitis (SSD). Both are chronic and affect individuals regardless of phototype or hair type, and treatment adherence is often challenging. External factors, including heat, dryness, dust and pollution, alter the skin microbiota, including that of the scalp. Selenium disulfide (SeS₂) shampoo reduces flaking, itching, irritation and scalp erythema in dandruff and SSD. This study was conducted in Morocco and evaluated the benefit of SeS₂ shampoo in 425 subjects with dandruff or SSD. Materials and methods: This was an open-label, observational, multicentre study in subjects aged ≥12 years, of any ethnicity, photo- or hair type, with SSD of any severity. Participants received SeS₂ shampoo for 8 weeks. Assessments included clinical signs and symptoms, investigator and subject ratings, as well as tolerance evaluation. Results: After 4 weeks of use, desquamation, erythema, irritation, and involved surface area significantly improved (p<0.0001), with results maintained through to Week 8. Improvements in itching and subjective discomfort were also observed. Investigator satisfaction reached 84.5% at Week 4 and 92.6% at Week 8. Mean subject satisfaction scores were 7.4±2.2 and 7.8±2.2 at Weeks 4 and 8, respectively. At Week 8, 88.0% of subjects reported that they preferred SeS₂ shampoo to their previous treatment, and highly appreciated its cosmetic properties. Local tolerance of SeS₂ shampoo was excellent. Conclusion. SeS₂ shampoo significantly improves forms of SSD in subjects regardless of age, ethnicity, photo or hair type, or cultural conditions, after 8 weeks of regular use.

Keywords

dandruff, inclusivity, selenium disulfide, scalp seborrheic dermatitis