Factors Affecting Compliance in Patients with Seborrheic Dermatitis: The Role of Texture, Fragrance, and Packaging

Introduction:

Patient adherence is crucial for therapeutic success, since non-compliance can affect treatment outcomes in certain dermatological disorders. [1] However, achieving optimal adherence can be challenging and requires a detailed understanding of the factors that influence patient behaviors. Texture, fragrance, and packaging may play significant roles in enhancing patient compliance and ultimately improving treatment outcomes. [2,3] Dermatologists can better address patient needs, ensuring consistent use and maximizing therapeutic benefits by targeting these aspects. Understanding and optimizing these factors may be crucial in developing effective and patient-friendly dermatological products.

The Burden of Non-Adherence

Non-adherence to treatments can have significant negative consequences on both patient health outcomes and healthcare costs. [4] When patients fail to follow their treatment regimens, dermatological conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and tinea versicolor can worsen, leading to prolonged discomfort and more severe skin manifestations. In case of seborrheic dermatitis, non-adherence can result in persistent inflammation, scaling, and itching, which may not only diminish the quality of life but also increase the likelihood of secondary infections. [5] Similarly, in tinea versicolor, inconsistent use of antifungal treatments can cause recurrent infections and more widespread skin discoloration.[6] Thus, improper management of these conditions due to non-adherence can lead to a cycle of treatment failure and increased healthcare utilization. This situation may inflate patient expenses, and adversely affect the patient's health and quality of life. [7] Thus, understanding and addressing the factors that contribute to non-adherence is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing the overall economic burden of dermatological diseases.

Highlighting the Impact of Fragrance, Texture, and Packaging on Patient Compliance

Numerous studies have demonstrated that improvements in the fragrance, texture, and packaging of dermatological products can improve user experience and, thereby enhance patient compliance.

Fragrance and Compliance: Research has shown that the fragrance of a medicated shampoo can significantly impact patient compliance. A pleasant scent can transform the use of a medicated shampoo from a mere necessity to an enjoyable experience, thereby encouraging consistent use. In the study assessing a 2.5% selenium sulfide shampoo for moderate dandruff, immediate relief in itching and flaking was reported after the first wash, with 90% experiencing reduced itching and 63.3% reduced flaking. All participants found the fragrance acceptable, suggesting high user satisfaction. This positive attribute could enhance overall experience and adherence.[8]

Texture and Compliance: The texture of a shampoo plays a vital role in patient satisfaction. [9] A study highlighted a significant impact of the physical properties of topical treatments, such as texture and ease of application, on patient compliance. [10] A product that is easy to apply, lathers well, and rinses out effortlessly is more likely to be used regularly. Shampoos that combine therapeutic agents with conditioning properties are particularly effective in improving compliance, as they make the hair feel softer and more manageable, eliminating the need for a separate conditioner.[11]

Packaging and Compliance: Packaging also has a profound impact on patient adherence. Medication adherence packaging services can have a beneficial effect on patients' medication-taking habits, boosting their confidence in managing their medications and enhancing their perceived quality of life. [12] A meta-analysis suggests that packaging interventions can increase medication adherence by up to 71%, indicating their potential to enhance treatment adherence. [13] Thus well-designed, practical packaging features, such as easy-to-open caps and clear labeling, can significantly enhance the overall user experience, making the product more accessible and easier to use. [14,15]

The Importance of Patient Compliance in Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis with Selenium Sulfide

Patient compliance is a crucial factor in the successful management of chronic dermatological conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis. Selenium sulfide and Salicylic acid are well-established treatments for this condition, known for their effectiveness in reducing symptoms such as flaking, scaling, and itching. [8] However, the therapeutic benefits of selenium sulfide rely on consistent and correct usage by patients. Ensuring that patients adhere to their prescribed treatment regimen is essential for achieving optimal outcomes. This is where factors such as the texture, fragrance, and packaging of the product come into play, significantly influencing patient compliance.

The New and Improved Formulation: Overcoming the Limitations of Initial Selenium Sulfide Shampoo

Selenium sulfide shampoo has long been recognized for its therapeutic efficacy in treating seborrheic dermatitis. However, the conventional formulations faced challenges that may have affected patient compliance, including its unpleasant metallic smell and user-unfriendly texture and packaging. [8] These factors could discourage regular use and hinder the effectiveness of the treatment.

In response to these issues, the newly formulated shampoo has been meticulously crafted with improvements aimed at enhancing patient adherence. By incorporating pleasant fragrance and smooth, luxurious textures, these new formulations transform the treatment routine into a more pleasant experience. This encourages consistent use and improves overall patient satisfaction. [16] Such improvements in the user experience are likely to result in better patient adherence and maximize the therapeutic benefits of selenium sulfide shampoo.

This comprehensive approach not only targets the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, such as inflammation, itching, and flaking, but also enhances patient compliance through a more pleasant and user-friendly experience. By addressing both the therapeutic and aesthetic aspects of treatment, the recent formulations of Selenium Sulfide shampoo offer a comprehensive solution for individuals suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, promoting an improved quality of life. Additionally, its renewed packaging ensures convenience and ease of use, further contributing to a positive user experience among patients.

Conclusion

Patient compliance is an essential component for the successful management of seborrheic dermatitis. Factors such as fragrance, texture, and packaging play a crucial role in influencing compliance. The new formulations with enhanced fragrance, improved texture with conditioning properties, and convenient packaging may address the common barriers to compliance, ensuring that patients are more likely to use the product as prescribed and achieve better clinical outcomes. As newer formulations of selenium sulfide shampoos incorporating these improvements become available, they may enhance patient compliance and offer a promising solution for the management of Seborrheic Dermatitis.

References

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[2] Menditto E, Orlando V, De Rosa G, Minghetti P, Musazzi UM, Cahir C, et al. Patient Centric Pharmaceutical Drug Product Design—The Impact on Medication Adherence. Pharmaceutics 2020;12. https://doi.org/10.3390/PHARMACEUTICS12010044.

[3] [A blinded comparison of palatability of 13 common pediatric antibiotic suspensions] - PubMed n.d. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15991547/ (accessed June 1, 2024).

[4] Abdulrahman N, Alsubeeh, Alsharafi AA, Ahamed SS, Alajlan A. Treatment Adherence Among Patients with Five Dermatological Diseases and Four Treatment Types - a Cross-Sectional Study. Patient Prefer Adherence 2019;13:2029. https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S230921.

[5] Oliveira R, Almeida IF. Patient-Centric Design of Topical Dermatological Medicines. Pharmaceuticals 2023, Vol 16, Page 617 2023;16:617. https://doi.org/10.3390/PH16040617.

[6] NOBLE SL, FORBES RC, STAMM PL. Diagnosis and Management of Common Tinea Infections. Am Fam Physician 1998;58:163–74.

[7] Jimmy B, Jose J. Patient Medication Adherence: Measures in Daily Practice. Oman Med J 2011;26:155. https://doi.org/10.5001/OMJ.2011.38.

[8] Godse G, Godse K. Safety, Efficacy and Attributes of 2.5% Selenium Sulfide Shampoo in the Treatment of Dandruff: A Single-Center Study. Cureus 2024;16. https://doi.org/10.7759/CUREUS.57148.

[9] Barak-Shinar D, Green LJ. Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff Therapy Using a Herbal and Zinc Pyrithione-based Therapy of Shampoo and Scalp Lotion. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2018;11:26.

[10] Puig L, Carrascosa JM, Belinchón I, Fernández-Redondo V, Carretero G, Ruiz-Carrascosa JC, et al. Adherence and patient satisfaction with topical treatment in psoriasis, and the use, and organoleptic properties of such treatments: A delphi study with an expert panel and members of the psoriasis group of the spanish academy of dermatology and venereology. Actas Dermosifiliogr 2013;104:488–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adengl.2012.12.003.

[11] Draelos ZD, Kenneally DC, Hodges LT, Billhimer W, Copas M, Margraf C. A Comparison of Hair Quality and Cosmetic Acceptance Following the Use of Two Anti-Dandruff Shampoos. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings 2005;10:201–4. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1087-0024.2005.10127.X.

[12] Phi C, Berenbrok LA, Carroll JC, Firm A, McGivney MS, Coley KC. Impact of a Medication Adherence Packaging Service on Patient-Centered Outcomes at an Independent Community Pharmacy. Pharmacy: Journal of Pharmacy Education and Practice 2021;9:11. https://doi.org/10.3390/PHARMACY9010011.

[13] Conn VS, Ruppar TM, Chan KC, Dunbar-Jacob J, Pepper GA, De Geest S. Packaging interventions to increase medication adherence: systematic review and meta-analysis. Curr Med Res Opin 2015;31:145. https://doi.org/10.1185/03007995.2014.978939.

[14] Oliveira R, Almeida IF. Patient-Centric Design of Topical Dermatological Medicines. Pharmaceuticals 2023, Vol 16, Page 617 2023;16:617. https://doi.org/10.3390/PH16040617.

[15] Menditto E, Orlando V, De Rosa G, Minghetti P, Musazzi UM, Cahir C, et al. Patient Centric Pharmaceutical Drug Product Design—The Impact on Medication Adherence. Pharmaceutics 2020, Vol 12, Page 44 2020;12:44.

[16] https://doi.org/10.3390/PHARMACEUTICS12010044.

IND2325163 30 JUL 2024