Pityriasis capitis: Causes, pathophysiology, current modalities, and future approach

Abstract

Background: Pityriasis capitis commonly known as dandruff is one of the most common and widely seen dermatological disease that affects majority of the world population. It is more than superficial flaking, as it leads to significant structural changes in the stratum corneum and inflammatory biomarkers. Various intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as Malassezia yeast, host epidermal conditions, sebaceous secretion, and abnormal immune responses, are found to contribute to the pathogenesis. Regardless of wide research, detail understanding, and treatment modalities, it still remains to be a cause of concern due to its recurring nature. Aims: The objective of this study is to enhance the understanding of its wide causes, pathophysiology, current treatment, and future approach. Methods: The article also aims at evaluating various promising anti-dandruff agents that can be further researched to become the leads in anti-dandruff therapy. Results & Conclusion: The article summarizes the current knowledge on dandruff and present new facts and evidences in order to spread awareness, create potential for new herbal treatment options, and effectively control the most commercially exploited scalp disorder.

A folliculocentric perspective of dandruff pathogenesis: Could a troublesome condition be caused by changes to a natural secretory mechanism?

“…pityriasis simplex capillitii ) is a common, chronic scalp condition that affects more than half of the world's population and has been known since antiquity. [ 1,2 ] Beginning around or post‐puberty, [ 3,4 ] dandruff can be a distressing condition, mainly due to its chronic nature, visible appearance and recurrence, resulting in psychosocial embarrassment for the individual. [ 5,6 ] The condition is limited to the scalp and is characterized by a combination of flaking, pruritus and mild inflammation, which can be associated with either oily (seborrheic) or dry scalp skin types.…”

“…pityriasis simplex capillitii) is a common, chronic scalp condition that affects more than half of the world's population and has been known since antiquity. [1,2] Beginning around or post-puberty, [3,4] dandruff can be a distressing condition, mainly due to its chronic nature, visible appearance and recurrence, resulting in psychosocial embarrassment for the individual. [5,6] The condition is limited to the scalp and is characterized by a combination of flaking, pru- Even though it is one of the most frequent and universal dermatological problems, affecting billions of individuals worldwide regardless of gender and ethnicity [3] and has long fascinated leading dermatologists, [1] dandruff is relatively under-investigated compared with other skin disorders characterized by pityriasis.…”

Combination of Strontium Chloride 5% and Licorice 1% Solution Compared Mometasone Furoate Solution 0.1% for Dandruff

“…Table 1 shows the results of statistical analysis (Figure 1-3). Although Malassezia is an important factor, inflammatory responses related to personal predisposition also play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease 2,13,14 .…”

“…Therefore, in the treatment of pityriasis capitis simplex located on the scalp, particular anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effective options are needed in addition to topical corticosteroids. As an alternative to topical steroids, there are immunomodulatory effective calcineurin inhibitors such as pimecrolimus and tacrolimus, but the lack of appropriate topical forms for the scalp limits their use [13][14][15][16] . Strontium is a trace element and a competitive inhibitor of calcium.…”

Rosemary and neem: an insight into their combined anti-dandruff and anti-hair loss efficacy

“…Intrinsic factors, including dietary imbalances, genetic susceptibility towards specific microbiota communities, immunosuppression, and hormonal fluctuations, also play a significant role in shaping the scalp microbiome. An insight into the complex interchange between these extrinsic and intrinsic factors and their impact on the scalp microbiome is crucial for developing effective strategies to maintain scalp health and prevent or manage dermatological disorders 4 . Therefore, any imbalance between these microorganisms can cause many undesired scalp disorders, especially dandruff and hair fall 5 .…”