EADV 2021 A Selenium-Disulfide based shampoo improves significantly dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis in women wearing a veil: results from an observational study

INTRODUCTION

Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin condition of sebum-rich areas such as the scalp. It is characterized by erythema, mild to moderate scaling resulting in greasy and flaky scalp, and is sometimes associated with pruritus. When only mild scaling without visible inflammation is observed SD is called dandruff (D). The prevalence of dandruff in the general population has been estimated at 50%.
In 2006, the prevalence of female adolescents presenting with dandruff in Eastern Saudi Araba was estimated at 18.1%.
Various environmental, intrinsic and host immune factors may contribute to the development of D/SD, leading to an alteration of the sebaceous gland activity and sebum composition, epidermal barrier function, and skin surface fungal colonization, which ultimately leads to inflammation. Among these factors, lipophilic Malassezia veasts may play a key role.
Selenium disulfide shampoo (SeS) is an effective means in the treatment of dandruff and SD. SeS has antifungal properties against Malassezia spp. and also inhibits Staphylococcus epidermidis growth in vitro. Past reports on the treatment of scalp D/SD have focused on Malassezia spp. counts, while bacterial microbiota changes have only been poorly described. Moreover, the Ses-based shampoo contains salicylic acid, known for its keratolytic activity, allowing to reduce flakes on the scalp.