Efficacy of a new generation of shampoos in controlling seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp

INTRODUCTION: Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease in areas with a higher concentration of sebaceous glands and the participation of the fungi of the genus Malassezia sp.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of treating moderate to severe seborrheic dermatitis using two shampoo formulations in monotherapy.
METHODS: Patients with moderate to severe seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, with or without chemically processed hair, were grouped according to the degree of affection and used one of two versions of shampoo monotherapy for four weeks. Relapse after treatment cessation was also evaluated.
RESULTS: There was a significant reduction (p <0.05) of oiliness since the first application. The other signs (erythema and peeling) showed significant improvement for both treatments. Participants also reported a considerable improvement in pruritus, erythema, and peeling. The effect on the hair strands was considered positive with both procedures. After one week of suspension, the relapse rate was considered non-significant (p <0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Both versions of shampoos were able to promote effective control of moderate to severe seborrheic dermatitis. These formulations also demonstrated not to harm the hair strands, even when chemically processed, a fundamental fact to treatment adherence.

Keywords: Dermatitis Seborrheic; Inflammation; Keratolytic Agents; Malassezia; Sebum