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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dandruff is a chronic scalp condition characterized by scaling. The common causative agent is now accepted to be the lipophilic yeast Malassezia furfur. Ketoconazole, a highly effective antifungal agent against M. furfur has been used for the treatment of dandruff.
AIM: To determine whether a 1.5% ciclopirox olamine shampoo is as effective as a 2% ketoconazole shampoo for the treatment of mild to moderate dandruff.
METHODS: A total of 64 patients, with mild to moderate dandruff, participated in the study. The study consisted of three consecutive phases: a 2‐week washout period, a 4‐week treatment period and a 2‐week post‐treatment period. Patients were randomized equally to either the 1.5% ciclopirox olamine shampoo or 2% ketoconazole shampoo. An overall dandruff score was calculated using an area of dandruff involvement score and a severity score. Patients evaluated the presence of pruritus and also reported a global evaluation of efficacy.
RESULTS: In all, 57 patients successfully completed all three phases. The overall dandruff score declined progressively throughout the treatment period for both shampoos. A slight increase in pruritus was observed in the ciclopirox olamine treatment group during the post‐treatment phase. Regarding global self‐assessment of efficacy, both treatment groups were pleased with their scalp condition following treatment.
CONCLUSION: Ciclopirox olamine shampoo appears to offer an effective, safe and easy to use treatment for mild to moderate dandruff.