The objective of this study is to evaluate an improvement of scalp health after the use of an investigational off-label WaterPik and brush device aimed to massage and cleanse the scalp.
Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff are skin conditions that present with common features and respond similarly to treatments. Dandruff involves flaking skin that can cause irritation and itching. Dandruff only involves the scalp, whereas seborrheic dermatitis can occur on the scalp, face, chest, and retro-auricular areas. Seborrheic dermatitis can also result in itching and flaking, as well as inflammation and erythema. Both dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are known to be harmful to the scalp. Despite shampoo and washing, one may still continue to have flaking and scale present on the scalp. There are numerous scalp massages and brushes on the consumer market. Waterpik® was FDA approved in 2018 to provide pressured water combined with a powered toothbrush for optimal plaque and particle removal when cleaning the mouth and teeth. Waterpik® now has several products on the market designed for oral health, pet care, and washing in the shower. The off-label design utilizes the Waterpik® device, but with adjustments optimized for scalp health. Through the investigational use of the off-label WaterPik® and brush device, the investigators propose the technique of massage and gentle water pressure will reduce seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff on the scalp.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
Study staff will use the Waterpik® device and brush for approximately two to five minutes on the participant's scalp until all scale and other debris appears to be resolved. Their scalp will then be rinsed and gently dried with a towel. The off-label design utilizes the Waterpik® device, but with adjustments optimized for scalp health. The device settings are adjustable during the treatment, ranging from settings of 2-10. Study staff plan to utilize the setting of 10 unless the participant indicates discomfort. Investigators attached a small Losophy brush in replacement of the Waterpik® toothbrush. The small Losophy brush was connected to the device via PVC heat shrink and a hole was drilled on the brush in order to deliver water while simultaneously utilizing the brush on the scalp.
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Change in Adherent Scalp Flaking Scale (ASFS)
The presence of dandruff flakes adhereing to the scalp in 8 defined areas is rated on a scale of 0-10 per area, where 0 indicates no flakes and 10 indicates heavy flaking. This is combined for total scores ranging from 0-80.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Change in Erythema Score
The presence of erythema is rated on a scale of 0-4, where 0 indicates None, 1 indicates Minimal - barely perceptible erythema, 2 indicates Mild - predominantly minimal erythema (pink) in the treated area with or without a few isolated areas of more intense erythema, 3 indicates Moderate - predominantly moderate erythema (red) in the treated area with or without a few isolated areas of intense erythema (bright red), and 4 indicates Severe - predominantly intense erythema (bright red) in the treated area with or without a few isolated areas of very intense (fiery red) erythema. The higher score means a worse outcome.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Change in Patient Sensory Assessment of Scalp & Hair Score
This Score is based on 12 descriptions that patients rate 0-10 to assess the condition of their scalp and hair. A higher score means a worse outcome.
Time frame: 4 weeks
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