Clear scalp, clear mind: Examining the beneficial impact of dandruff reduction on physical, emotional and social wellbeing

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.OBJECTIVEDandruff 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.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 Following this analysis, the dataset was then combined with unpublished internal data of a similar intervention study using a Zinc Pyrithione ADS formulation.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.METHODSA 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 Following this analysis, the dataset was then combined with unpublished internal data of a similar intervention study using a Zinc Pyrithione ADS formulation.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 dandruf