Abstract
Abstract:Dandruff, also known as seborrhea sicca, pityriasis capitis or sicca capitis, can be defined as
chronic non-inflammatory scaling of the scalp, or an abnormality in the desquamation process
which occurs on the scalp (Willet, 2010). It is said that dandruff affects at least 50% of the
world’s adult population and about 15 – 20% of the world’s total population (Prambhamanju
et al., 2009).
Aim: To ascertain the effect of sodium shale oil sulphonate 1% shampoo on the appearance of
dandruff. Forty participants completed the study and participants were of both genders between
the ages of 18 and 45. The study compromised of 16 days with 3 visits each 8 days apart.
Methodology: The study design consisted of double-blind, placebo-controlled study where
participants were grouped into matching pairs based on the severity of the condition.
Participants were then randomly assigned to the treatment or placebo group. At each visit,
participants were assessed using the following assessment measures: a Visual Analogue Scale
for the participant comprising of scaling, irritation, itching, greasiness and global impression;
a Visual Analogue Scale for the researcher comprising of scaling, irritation, greasiness and
global impression as well as an Adherent Scalp Flake Score grading completed by the
researcher.
Results: Parametric and non-parametric analyses were used and the results of the study
demonstrated overall statistically significant improvement in all parameters for the treatment
and placebo groups but the extent of improvement was greater in the treatment group.
However, at individual visits, only certain parameters expressed statistically significant
changes when compared to the placebo group.
Conclusion: It was found that both Sodium Shale Oil Sulphonate 1% shampoo and the control
shampoo may contribute significantly to the improvement of the appearance of dandruff with...