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International Journal of Trichology logoLink to International Journal of Trichology
. 2011 Jul;3(Suppl1):S22.

Session J: Itching and Seborrehic Dermatitis

PMCID: PMC3171853
Int J Trichology. 2011 Jul;3(Suppl1):S22.

The itchy scalp-more than scratching the surface

Gil Yosipovitch

Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University Medical Centre, Winston Salem NC, USA. E-mail: gyosipov@wfubmc.edu

Although the scalp is one of the most itchy regions of our body there is limited data in the literature on the underlying mechanisms and treatments for this type of itch. While the head represents only 10 percent of the body's surface area, the consequences of itchy scalp are disproportionate to the area involved. One of the most common causes of itchy scalp that can cause significant discomfort and emotional distress is psoriasis. Other causes for scalp itch extend from common inflammatory skin diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, to scarring alopecias such as central centrifugal alopecia, where itch could be the presenting symptom. Neuropathic itch associated with post herpetic neuralgia, stress and psychogenic factors are known to cause severe itchy scalp. Cases of scalp itch and its management will be discussed. Special emphasis will be focused on itchy scalp in psoriasis and the emergence of biologic therapies including anti TNF as an effective modality for the treatment of itchy scalp in psoriasis.

Int J Trichology. 2011 Jul;3(Suppl1):S22.

Oral supplementation with probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei ST-11 improves dandruff condition

Audrey Gueniche, David Philippe1, Philippe Bastien, Elif Buyukpamukcu1, Pascal Reygagne2*, Isabelle Castiel

L’Oréal Recherche, Centre Charles Zviak, Clichy, France; 1Nestle Research Center, Lausanne, Suisse, 2Centre Sabouraud, Hôpital Saint-Louis, France. *E-mail: p.reygagne@libertysurf.fr

Dandruff is a common condition, affecting close to 50% of the adult population. It is often associated with an abnormal colonization of the scalp by Malassezia yeasts, a skin barrier defect and prurit. In previous clinical trials, we showed that the oral intake of the specific probiotic, Lactobacillus paracasei (ST11) was able to induce a faster recovery of the skin barrier function (compared to placebo) after alteration by a repeated tape stripping, to modulate skin immune system and skin sensitivity. Since these parameters are known to be important events associated with dandruff, we decided to evaluate the clinical efficacy of this probiotic in this area. A new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 66 healthy volunteers who have moderate dandruff status receiving either ST-11 (109 CFU/day) or placebo, during two months. It was demonstrated that daily consumption of ST11 resulted in a significant decrease versus placebo, of scalp adherent and free dandruffs as assessed both by a dermatologist and the subjects (self-assessment). Moreover, it appears that the clinical improvement of dandruff status is associated with a decrease of scalp erythema as assessed by a dermatologist and confirmed by the reduction of prurit perception by the subject. Concerning perceived scalp greasiness, subjects reported a positive effect (tendency) following self-assessment. As far as cutaneous ecoflora is concerned, we find that following ST11 intake, Malassezia yeast populations are also significantly decreased versus placebo. Altogether, these clinical evidences highlight for the first time the benefits of oral supplementation and more specifically of the probiotic ST11 for improving dandruff condition.

Articles from International Journal of Trichology are provided here courtesy of Wolters Kluwer -- Medknow Publications

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