EADV 2021 A Selenium Disulfide-based shampoo maintains the benefits of medical treatment in severe Dandruff and Seborrheic dermatitis

INTRODUCTION

Dandruff is a milder form of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) and is mainly limited to the scalp. SD is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory condition of the scalp, face and upper chest which associates erythema, squames and itching.
It is estimated that dandruff and SD combined affect half of the adult population worldwide. Different factors, such as sebaceous secretion, over colonization by Malassezia spp., individual predisposition, and interactions between these factors may contribute to the pathogenesis.
Topical therapies remain the mainstay of treatment for scalp seborrheic dermatitis (SSD). The 2 main classes of treatment for SD are topical corticosteroids and antifungal agents. Ketoconazole is a fungistatic agent, which limits Malassezia restricta, M. globosa and M. furfur growth, without inhibiting S. epidermidis or S. aureus. When ketoconazole treatment is stopped, SD symptoms relapse. Selenium disulfide (SeS,) is a recognized ingredient to manage efficiently both dandruff and SD. It reduces flakes, itching, irritation and redness of the scalp while acting against Malassezia and Staphylococcus species.