A more reliable photometric technique for the measurement of scalp sebum excretion.

The objective assessment of antiseborrhoeic therapy for the scalp requires a reliable technique for the measurement of sebaceous gland activity. Previously published methods were tried but found to be unreliable. This paper describes a photometric technique which gave repeatable results and demonstrated a reduction of sebaceous gland activity on the scalp with both oral isotretinoin and topical II alpha-hydroxyprogesterone. The accuracy of the method was achieved by careful preparation of the scalp but was affected by recent shampooing.