Antifungal shampoos for adults and children

Cosmetics with medicinal properties are called cosmeceuticals. And antifungal hair shampoos, like other shampoos with therapeutic action, are dermatological products.

Indications antifungal shampoo

As the name suggests, antifungal shampoo should be used for:

• seborrhea of the scalp - dry or oily seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, caused by damage to the superficial horny layer of the skin (corneocytes) by the fungus Malassezic furfur (Pityrosporum ovale); [ 1 ], [ 2 ]
• dermatomycosis or microsporia of the scalp - ringworm (tinea capitis), which is caused by types of fungi Microsporum (M. ferrugineum and M. audouinii), Trichophyton and Epidermophyton and begins with isolated flaking of the scalp, developing into itchy scaly bald patches;
• dry scalp and increased flaking (leading to dandruff and itching), which is not reduced by washing the head with regular shampoos for dry skin and hair.

Only a dermatologist can establish and laboratory confirm the presence of a fungal infection, so you should not go to the pharmacy for a medicated shampoo without consulting a doctor.

Antifungal shampoos for dandruff

It should be borne in mind that medicinal antifungal shampoos for dandruff, as well as any antifungal shampoo for seborrhea, must contain pharmacological agents against the above types of fungal infection - antimycotics with fungicidal and fungistatic properties. And these are:

• imidazole antifungal agent ketoconazole; [ 3 ]
• zinc-sulfur compound – zinc pyrithione (1-2%); [ 4 ]
• sulsen is selenium sulfide, that is, a compound of sulfur with selenium;
• Birch tar is rich in phenolic compounds (which makes it an effective keratolytic and antiseptic agent). See - Tar shampoo for dandruff.

Most often, antifungal shampoo with ketoconazole is recommended: Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo, Ketoconazole anti-dandruff shampoo, Ketozoral Darnitsa, Keto plus, Mikozoral, Dermazole plus, Seboderm, Sebozol.

Some manufacturers add the triazole fungicidal agent climbazole (at a maximum concentration of 2%) to their anti-seborrhea and anti-dandruff shampoos, the structure and properties of which are similar to ketoconazole. For example, these are the shampoos Nizoderm, Seborin (Schwarzkopf), Climbazole anti-dandruff (Mirrola), Cosmia Climbazole 2 in1 – analogs of anti-dandruff shampoos with ketoconazole.

Names of shampoos with zinc pyrithione for oily seborrhea of the scalp: Keto Plus (ketoconazole + zinc pyrithione), Demoskin, Skin-cap, Sebulon, 2 Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Pyrithione Zinc, Friederm zinc, Bioblas Zink Pyrithione, etc.

And shampoos with selenium sulfide: Sulsena, Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Treatment Shampoo, Head and Shoulders intensive, Nioxin Scalp Recovery, etc.

Antifungal shampoos for children over 12 years of age are the same as for adults; for children in the first years of life, pediatricians recommend Babe Laboratorios Cradle Cap baby shampoo.

Treatment for scalp ringworm is with Clotrimazole (topically), but oral antifungal medications such as Griseofulvin or Terbinafine may also be required.

Antifungal shampoo for ringworm with clotrimazole and zinc pyrithione - Dermedic Capilarte.

Antifungal body shampoo with terbinafine - shampoo-shower gel TERBINAcode.

Pharmacodynamics

The mechanism of antifungal action of these medicinal shampoos is due to their main active component.

Thus, ketoconazole, like all azole antifungals, inhibits the activity of certain enzymes produced by fungi, preventing the biosynthesis of steroids, which make up their cell membranes. [ 5 ]

The pharmacodynamics of zinc pyrithione consist of suppression of membrane ion transport processes in fungi, and the resulting depolarization of fungal cell membranes leads to their death. In addition, zinc pyrithione normalizes epithelial keratinization and sebum (sebum) production.

The antiseborrheic properties of selenium sulfide are explained by the cytostatic effect on epidermal cells and the slowing of the growth of keratinocytes and hyperproliferative epithelial corneocytes.

The biologically active components of tar have a similar effect on the stratum corneum of the skin, removing dandruff (flakes of exfoliated stratum corneum), reducing the colonization of Malassezia furfur.

Dosing and administration

According to the enclosed instructions, a small amount of shampoo (about a tablespoon) is applied to the scalp moistened with warm water, rubbed into the damp skin and left for three to five minutes. Then the skin and hair are thoroughly rinsed with water.

Some shampoos are applied twice in one procedure (which is also indicated in the instructions).

Antifungal shampoos should be used no more than twice a week.

Use antifungal shampoo during pregnancy

There are no direct contraindications to the use of medicated shampoos of this category during pregnancy, but it is not recommended to use shampoos with ketoconazole.

Contraindications

The main contraindication is intolerance to the components included in the shampoos.

Shampoos with zinc pyrithione are not used for children under one year of age, and shampoos with ketoconazole are not used for children under 12 years of age.

Side effects antifungal shampoo

Possible side effects of ketoconazole include skin irritation with rash and itching or burning sensation.

Side effects of selenium sulfide may include scalp irritation, increased oiliness or dryness of hair and scalp, hair color changes, and hair loss.

Overdose

There are no reported cases of overdose with these shampoos, but if they are used too often, side effects appear (or increase).

Interactions with other drugs

Shampoos containing zinc pyrithione are not used if topical corticosteroids are needed for certain dermatological conditions.

Storage conditions

Antifungal shampoos should be stored at room temperature.

Shelf life

The expiration date is indicated on the packaging and is usually three years.

If you are looking for effective and cheap antifungal shampoos, first of all, pay attention to domestically produced products and study their composition.