Introduction: Scalp inflammation is commonly associated with scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. It can aggravate the progression of androgenetic alopecia and cause troublesome itching and burning. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of a shampoo containing 0.075% broad-spectrum cannabidiol in 50 subjects with mild to moderate scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. Methods: Inflammation was assessed by evaluating the density of twisted/glomerular or arborizing vessels by trichoscopy using a 6-point scale at baseline and day 14. Symptoms of itching/burning sensation, clinical evaluation of erythema/scaling, overall tolerability, and subject satisfaction were evaluated using 10-point scales. Results: There were significant reductions in arborizing vessel/twisted capillary inflammation and scaling by day 14. Severity scores reduced from 2.3 ± 0.1, 2.6 ± 0.1, and 3.6 ± 0.1, respectively, to 0.5 ± 0.05, 0.8 ± 0.05, and 0.6 ± 0.05 (all p < 0.0001). Symptom scores of itching and burning also reduced significantly from 6.9 ± 0.1 to 4.5 ± 0.1 to 1.5 ± 0.05 and 1.0 ± 0.05 (both p < 0.0001). Severity of erythema and scaling was also significantly reduced from 5.5 ± 0.1 and 7.0 ± 0.1, respectively, to 1.3 ± 0.05 and 1.6 ± 0.05 (both p < 0.0001). Tolerability and subject satisfaction were both excellent. There were no significant differences in treatment effect, tolerability, or subject satisfaction between men and women. Discussion/Conclusion: Replacing current shampooing practices with a broad-spectrum cannabidiol-containing shampoo significantly reduces both severity and symptoms of scalp inflammation within 2 weeks, with excellent tolerability and treatment satisfaction in subjects with mild to moderate scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.

Topical minoxidil, the only approved treatment for female pattern hair loss (FPHL), has been associated with scalp allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). We report the case of 2 female patients who developed ACD from minoxidil solution with severe telogen effluvium and psoriasiform scalp dermatitis. Scalp dermoscopy was useful to identify the psoriasiform vascular pattern, whereas patch testing made it possible to differentiate the cause of sensitization. In one case, minoxidil was the sole cause of scalp dermatitis, while in the other patient it was only the vehicle, thus permitting the patient to continue the treatment for FPHL.

Cannabinoid products have been studied in the treatment of various dermatologic conditions. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE for articles published before 1 February 2023 that described the use of cannabinoids in the management of hair, scalp, and skin conditions, identifying 18 original articles that encompassed 1090 patients who used various forms of cannabinoid products. Where specified, topical cannabidiol (CBD) was the most commonly utilized treatment (64.3%, 173/269), followed by oral dronabinol (14.4%, 39/269), oral lenabasum (14.1%, 38/269), and oral hempseed oil (5.9%, 16/269). Using the GRADE approach, we found moderate-quality evidence supporting the efficacy of cannabinoid products in managing atopic dermatitis, dermatomyositis, psoriasis, and systemic sclerosis and moderate-quality evidence supporting a lack of efficacy in treating trichotillomania. There was low to very low quality evidence supporting the efficacy of cannabinoid products in managing alopecia areata, epidermolysis bullosa, hyperhidrosis, seborrheic dermatitis, and pruritus. Our findings suggest that cannabinoids may have efficacy in managing symptoms of certain inflammatory dermatologic conditions. However, the evidence is still limited, and there is no standardized dosage or route of administration for these products. Large randomized controlled trials and further studies with standardized treatment regimens are necessary to better understand the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids.

Background: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is increasing ly common and often presents with hair shedding. Spec tral.DNC-N® contains anti-inflammatory actives and hair growth promoters. Objectives: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of Spectral DNC-N® (DS Laboratories, Inc.) in women with early FPHL and excessive shedding. Methods: Forty-nine patients were treated with Spectral DNC-N®, applied twice daily for 3 months; 28 patients were included in the 3-month treatment extension. Efficacy assessments included the degree of hair shedding using the validated hair shedding visual scale, hair mass index (HMI), and photographic evaluation. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in hair shedding and a corresponding increase in HMI by month 3, which was maintained through month 6. The mean investigator-assessed hair shedding score decreased from 3.5 to 2.0 and the hair mass increased from 75.8 to 84.3 mm2/cm2 by month 3 (both p < 0.01 compared with baseline). By month 6, the hair shedding score was reduced to 1.6 and the hair mass was maintained. Most patients (75%) showed an increase in global hair density. Conclusions: Spectral.DNC-N® significantly reduced hair shedding, with a corresponding increase in hair mass and density. These effects were already evident after 3 months’ treatment and further improved in those patients who continued treatment to month 6. Tolerability was good and patient satisfaction levels were high.