Improvement of Scalp Condition and Quality of Life through Proper Skin Care of Dry Scalp

Mika Oshima¹, Maiko Sogawa¹, Hiroshi Matsunaka², Yumi Murakami², Yumiko Saya², Takashi Sugita³, Yoshihiro Matsudate¹, Nozomi Fukui¹, Kazutoshi Murao¹, Yoshiaki Kubo^1*

¹Department of Dermatology, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan.
²Tokiwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.
³Department of Microbiology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/jcdsa.2014.44038                

Abstract

Introduction: Appropriate skin care for dry scalp includes treatment for dandruff and itchiness. However, little is known about the appropriate washing methods for subjects with dry scalp. Me- thods: A scalp moisturizing lotion was used for 8 weeks on 30 outpatients at the Tokushima University Hospital who had dry scalp. All subjects were given the same hair shampoo/conditioner and instructions on how to wash their hair. Scalp symptoms were observed before and after the testing period. Indigenous bacteria were collected from the scalp for quantitative assessment. A survey was conducted to assess the quality of life (QOL). Results: All scalp condition items (dryness, scales and desquamation, itchiness, excoriation, and erythema) improved significantly after the testing period; the levels of Malassezia and bacterial colonization also decreased significantly. The QOL evaluation indicated significant improvements in “symptoms”, “emotions”, and “global” measures. A correlation was found between the extent of dryness at the start of the test and the level of Malassezia colonization, as well as QOL scores. Conclusion: Using a scalp moisturizing lo- tion, washing hair with a shampoo and conditioner that cause low irritation levels, and using a hair washing method that avoids irritation led to improvement in scalp condition, QOL, and pa- tient satisfaction.

Keywords

Atopic Dermatitis, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Moisturizer, Malassezia, Bacteria, qPCR

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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