A lipohydroxyacid-containing shampoo improves scalp condition and quality of life in patients with seborrheic dermatitis and light-to-moderate scalp psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost half of the post-pubertal population of any ethnicity and both genders. It is one of the major reasons for patients to consult a dermatologist and it is the cause of significant psychological and social distress.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this open study was to evaluate the benefit of a 4-week treatment with a shampoo containing 0.1% lipohydroxyacid (LHA) and 1.3% salicylic acid on the scalp condition and on the quality of life of 275 volunteers with seborrheic dermatitis (SD) (n = 226) or light-to-moderate scalp psoriasis (SP) (n = 49).


METHODS
The clinical benefit of the treatment was assessed by scoring the following parameters, i.e., severity of the dermatosis, scaling, itching, excoriations, and superficial burning sensation. The impact on the quality of life was assessed using the Scalpdex, a questionnaire specially developed by Chen et al. for patients with scalp dermatitis, which includes 23 questions regarding the symptoms, functioning and emotions affected by scalp dermatosis.


RESULTS
The shampoo used in this study was well tolerated. After a 4-week treatment, dermatologists noticed a significant clinical improvement of all the scalp parameters evaluated (i.e., the composite lesional score was improved in 91% and 77% of the patients with SD or SP respectively). The symptoms, functioning and emotions scores of quality of life were also significantly improved in relation to the improvement of scalp condition.


CONCLUSIONS
This study not only allowed a better understanding of the SD and SP patient's profile but also demonstrated that the shampoo evaluated is a convenient, efficient, safe, and well-tolerated cosmetic treatment of SD and light-to-moderate SP improving greatly the quality of life of the treated patients.
Seité
S
S
La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Pharmaceutique, 110 Avenue Henri Barbusse, 92602 Asnières Cedex, France. sseite@dca.loreal.com
Paries
J
J
Reygagne
P
P
Hamidou
Z
Z
Jouanique
C
C
Perez-Pala
G
G
Rougier
A
A
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006203:Hair Preparations; D006801:Humans; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012459:Salicylates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000628:therapy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
C113468:2-hydroxy-5-octanoylbenzoic acid; D006203:Hair Preparations; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D012459:Salicylates