Antidandruff Shampoos

The key role in dandruff production is scalp irritation caused by oxidised and peroxidised skin lipids, whose origin can be different. It is assumed that one of unpleasant sources of dandruff is the yeast Pityrosporum ovale (Malassezia furfur). The most effective medications against yeasts are those containing sulphur (zinc pyrithione) or azole antimycotics (climbazole). These agents can reduce growth of Malassezia furfur yeast, or of all yeasts and moulds, whereas not influence the cells of the human skin. The application of shampoos containing climbazole and zinc pyrithione is specific, as these two agents act against Malassezia furfur, while do not influence bacteria on the healthy scalp.