Dandruff & Bellasonic

Dandruff and Bellasonic Technology

Are you affected by dandruff? Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are similar. Both conditions cause scaling of the skin and present as skin flakes that surface on the hair strands or scalp. However, there are treatments to help tackle this problem.

What is Seborrheic Dermatitis and dandruff?

Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD) and dandruff are of a continuous spectrum of the same disease that affects the seborrheic areas of the body. Dandruff affects only the scalp, while SD can affect the scalp as well as other areas of the body where seborrheic glands are present. Dandruff causes itchy, flaking skin without visible inflammation. SD typically causes itchy and flaking or scaling skin with inflammation and itching of the skin.

While there are many factors that lead to the development of dandruff and SD, genetic predisposition and skin surface fungal colonization are commonly cited as the main reasons.  Symptoms can come and go, and may worsen stress, cold weather, hormonal changes and as well as medical illness. Diagnosis of both conditions can be made from clinical history as well as from physical examination. Dandruff and SD are long-term conditions that cannot be cured but can be controlled with medications. As the main underlying pathogenic mechanisms for dandruff and SD involve Malassezia proliferation (a type of fungus) and skin irritation and inflammation, the most common treatment involves topical antifungal and anti-inflammatory medications. 

Can shampoo help with dandruff?

Medicated shampoo is one common option. If one type of shampoo does not improve the condition after 4 to 6 weeks, a switch of a different medicated shampoo should be done. There are currently many brands of medicated shampoos in the market. The medicated shampoos usually contain one of the following medications. Common ingredients include zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide, coal tar, salicylic acid and ketoconazole. Steroid creams can also be applied to relieve the itch and inflammation in SD.

At The Clifford Clinic, utilizing the Bellasonic technology, we can deliver key active ingredients that treat dandruff and SD into the deep tissue of the scalp, as well as reach the deepest ends of the hair shafts, that medicated shampoo or topical medications may not be able to reach otherwise. 

What is Bellasonic?

Bellasonic is one of the latest equipment used in dermatology imported from South Korea. It utilises ultrasound technology to achieve a multitude of effects, using a combination of high-frequency (HF) ultrasound (Bellasonos) and low-frequency (LF) ultrasound (Bellapact).  The ultrasound therapy creates microscopic bubbles in the skin known as cavitation bubbles. These bubbles are formed when a liquid is subjected to rapidly changing pressures from processes like ultrasound. The bubbles will either oscillate with the pressure wave, or immediately collapse. The presence of these bubbles temporarily disrupts the structure of the epidermis, creating micro-channels which substances can diffuse through. 

Normally, the waterproof epidermis prevents external substances from entering the skin via diffusion, limiting the effects of most topically applied drugs. The micro-channels created by Bellasonic allows many treatment drugs to diffuse into the deeper layers of the skin without injections, making them more effective overall. 

What to expect in a Bellasonic treatment? 

Firstly, the skin is gently washed and cleansed. A gel is then applied, and HF ultrasound from Bellasonos is then used to reduce resistance of skin tissues. This helps to minimise and prevent swelling and bruising. The required medication is then applied and delivered using the LF ultrasound from Bellapact, which opens up micro-channels in the skin and allows the treatment medication to penetrate deeper into the skin. 

Is the treatment painful? 

The treatment is relatively painless. There should only be a mild warming sensation and mild vibrations felt on the skin during the ultrasound treatment. Also, there will be sound transmitted as the Bellasonic probe is doing its work. 

Is there any downtime after treatment?

There is no downtime after treatment with Bellasonic and patients can typically resume their daily activities immediately after the treatment. Mild swelling may be observed due to the ultrasound, but these will usually subside in a few hours.

Are there any side effects from using Bellasonic? 

Currently, there are no major adverse side effects associated with Bellasonic. As with other ultrasound therapy procedures, there may be slight redness, swelling, soreness or numbness depending on the individual. These will usually subside in a few hours.

How many sessions of Bellasonic treatments are required?

In the treatment of Dandruff and SD, when the condition is very active and is acute, several sessions on a more regular basis are needed to help deliver medications deep into the scalp tissue. Once the condition is in remission or less active, a maintenance session of once a month or once in two months can be done to maintain the condition of the scalp. The exact sessions required can differ from patient to patient, depending on the patient’s baseline severity.

Our professional and highly skilled doctors at The Clifford Clinic have helped patients suffering from dandruff and SD by utilising the latest Bellasonic technology. If you would like to treat your dandruff or SD, feel free to arrange a consultation with us. Alternatively, you may also explore other treatments we offer, from nose threadlift to hair transplant in Singapore.