Chapter 16: Common Dermatologic Therapies
Antimicrobials: Dandruff Shampoos
Dandruff shampoos must be massaged into the scalp and left for 5-10 minutes before rinsing to have an effect. Some have efficacy in reducing skin yeast and can also be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis and pityriasis versicolour on the body.
Active ingredients of shampoos include:
- Selenium sulfide (anti-yeast)
- Ketoconazole (anti-yeast)
- Zinc pyrithione (anti-yeast)
- Salicylic acid (keratolytic for scale)
- Tar (anti-inflammatory)