Antidandruff Shampoos
Antifungal agents (such as ketoconazole) are often found in antidandruff shampoos. The antifungal drugs inhibit the yeast Malassezia globosa which encourages seborrhoeic dermatitis and tinea versicolor.
| Agent | Trade names | Medical applications |
|---|---|---|
| Ketoconazole | Nizoral, Fungoral and Sebizole | Preliminary findings, research and studies including the completion of a small controlled clinical trial have produced data suggesting ketoconazole shampoo is effective as a hair loss treatment in men with androgenic alopecia. Larger controlled clinical studies are still needed to evaluate the ideal dosage, formulation, and to determine the routine of treatment for this condition, thus ketoconazole shampoo is not FDA-approved for this indication. |
| Ciclopirox olamine | Loprox | The cream and lotion form of this agent is used to treat fungal infections of the skin. The lacquer form is used as part of a treatment plan to treat fungal infections of the nails. The shampoo form is used to treat and prevent dandruff or to treat seborrhoeic dermatitis. |
| Piroctone olamine | Octopirox and Nivea Complete Control | Piroctone olamine is sometimes used as an antifungal agent, and it often used in dandruff shampoos in lieu of zinc. Piroctone olamine is said to be less toxic than other antidandruff agents, often bypassing some of the normal FDA warnings, but still must be used with care, and only externally. |
| Zinc pyrithione | Head & Shoulders, Johnson and Johnson ZP-11, Clinic All Clear, Pantene Pro V and Sikkai Powder | An antifungal and antibacterial agent first reported in the 1930s, zinc pyrithione is best known for its use in the treatment of dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis. It also has antibacterial properties and is effective against many pathogens from the Streptococcus and Staphylococcus genera. Its other medical applications include treatments of psoriasis, eczema, ringworm, fungus, athletes foot, dry skin, atopic dermatitis, tinea, and vitiligo. |
| Selenium sulfide | Selsun Blue, Head & Shoulders and Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo | Selenium sulfide is available as a 1% and 2.5% lotion and shampoo. In some countries, the higher-strength preparations require a doctor's prescription. The shampoo is used to treat dandruff and seborrhea of the scalp, and the lotion is used to treat tinea versicolor, a fungal infection of the skin. |
| Tar | Neutrogena T-Gel | Is effective as a therapeutic treatment to control scalp itching and flaking symptomatic of scalp psoriasis, eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff. |
| Tea tree oil | Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap | It is used topically as an ingredient in creams, ointments, lotions, soaps, and shampoos. In addition to antifungal properties, tea tree oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral actions. It is also effective against mites (such as scabies), and lice (such as head lice). |
Read more about this topic: Antifungal Medication
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