Dandruff (cont.)

Medical Author:

Dr. Alai is an actively practicing medical and surgical dermatologist in south Orange County, California. She has been a professor of dermatology and family medicine at the University of California, Irvine since 2000. She is U.S. board-certified in dermatology, a 10-year-certified fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Fellow of the American Society of Mohs Surgery.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medications

Antifungal shampoos – Prescription-strength shampoos help decrease the yeast counts on the skin.

ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoo

ciclopirox (Loprox) shampoo

Antibacterial cleaners – Prescription-strength washes such as sulfacetamide help decrease the bacterial counts on the skin.

sulfacetamide (Rosanil)

sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur (Clenia)

benzoyl peroxide (Benoxyl, Benzac AC, Benzac W, Benzagel, Brevoxyl, Desquam, Fostex, Persa-Gel, Triaz, Vanoxide, Zoderm) cleansers

Cortisone shampoos – Prescription-strength steroid shampoos in rinse-off products help decrease the inflammation and decrease itching.

fluocinolone acetonide (Capex) shampoo

clobetasol (Clobex) shampoo

Corticosteroids – Prescription-strength cortisone preparations as "rub in and leave on" products help decrease the inflammation and control itching. These vary in strength, the strongest of which is about 1,000 times the strength of over-the-counter hydrocortisone!

Topical cortisones are safe when used effectively under a physician' s care and guidance. As there are many known, possible long-term side effects of all steroids, they should be used sparingly and only where needed. Many cortisone preparations are available including ointments (more greasy, clear, petroleum-based) creams (thick, white, and lubricating), lotions (light, flowing liquid), solutions (clear watery liquid, often alcohol-based), sprays (clear liquid in propellant), and foams (light, airy mousse).