Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Dandruff is a common scalp condition characterized by the chronic shedding of large clumps of epidermal cells. Alongside negative physical symptoms, dandruff is thought to have a detrimental impact on individuals' mental health. The aim of this study was to determine whether the clinical benefits of using an anti-dandruff shampoo (ADS) will result in improved psychological wellbeing in individuals suffering from dandruff. Further, this study aimed to investigate whether this improvement would manifest in changes in self-esteem and confidence behaviours. METHODS: A 4-week dandruff reduction intervention was implemented using a Piroctone Olamine ADS formulation. The control group continued to use their non-ADS. Self-evaluation metrics, including the Scalpdex, State Self-Esteem Scale and self-perceived hair and scalp characteristics questionnaires, were employed to measure changes in self-perceptions of hair and scalp health and psychological wellbeing. Following this analysis, the dataset was then combined with unpublished internal data of a similar intervention study using a Zinc Pyrithione ADS formulation. A mediation analysis was conducted on the combined data to examine the relationship between dandruff symptoms, emotions, and overall behavioural functioning. RESULTS: First, the ADS effectively reduced the clinical symptoms of dandruff. Second, Scalpdex scores indicated that the use of ADS, compared to non-ADS, lessened the adverse effects of dandruff on symptom perception and emotional distress. Third, the impact of dandruff on behavioural functioning diminished over time, and measures of confidence, scalp comfort and scalp health improved over time, irrespective of product type. Fourth, there was no change in measures of self-esteem for either shampoo. Subsequently, the mediation analysis revealed that across both studies, ADS treatment improved symptoms, emotional wellbeing, and functioning ratings on the Scalpdex questionnaire. Importantly, it also found that improvements in physical symptoms of dandruff improved behavioural functioning indirectly, via its mediating effect on scalp-related emotional wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that reducing dandruff's physical symptoms directly enhanced emotional well-being related to scalp and hair, and indirectly improved overall daily functioning. These findings suggest that addressing dandruff symptoms not only increases physical comfort but also positively impacts individuals' mental and emotional health, and their ability to function in their daily lives.