Antifungal shampoo is a therapeutic solution capable of curing a scalp disease caused by yeasts or fungi, such as seborrheic dermatitis.
Let’s find out what an antifungal shampoo is, what it does, who it’s for, and how much it costs.
What exactly is antifungal shampoo?
Although it is intended for hair care, antifungal shampoo is not a simple cosmetic product, and its use is not straightforward. It is a prescription medication used to treat disorders of the scalp and hair follicles in the sebaceous glands, such as seborrheic dermatitis and other folliculitis.
This illness is characterised by scalp inflammation, which results in the following symptoms:
- red, scaly patches;
- dandruff ;
- itchy scalp;
- flaking of the scalp;
- sometimes superficial and localized burns.
Malassezia furfur – yeast previously known as Pityrosporum oval – attacks the superficial layer of the skin, which is the source of the symptoms.
In the most severe situations, if the patient does not use an antifungal shampoo, we may witness an aggregation of scales that forms a thick, more or less rigid layer. It suffocates the scalp at first and may cause hair loss a second time.
It is critical to treat a scalp condition, particularly if it is caused by a fungus or yeast. Malassezia furfur, for example, causes the dermatosis pityriasis versicolor.
Characteristics of antifungal shampoo
An antifungal shampoo is a dermatological product. It includes an active ingredient that kills yeasts and fungus that affect the scalp. It includes active ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, sodium sulphate, and even ciclopirox and ketoconazole.
Uses of antifungal shampoo.
In highly specific situations of scalp infection by fungus or yeasts, such as seborrheic dermatitis, an antifungal shampoo should be used locally:
- This kind of therapeutic shampoo should be used twice a week on damp hair (unless otherwise directed by a doctor). The lotion should then be lathered by gently rubbing the scalp with the pulp of the fingers. Following this initial massage, it is best to adhere to a period of action of 2 to 5 minutes, as specified by the provider on the box. Rinse well before proceeding – if required, with a second application. Rinse once again to eliminate any remaining treatment product from the scalp.
- Towel-dry hair with a soft, absorbent towel before continuing to dry as normal.
- Manufacturers normally suggest one measuring cap of antifungal shampoo per usage for short to mid-length hair (above the shoulders) and two measuring caps for long hair.
Before deciding to use an antifungal shampoo, it is essential to determine the source of your scalp problems. A dermatologist consultation is very beneficial, particularly in the following situations:
- The scabs are thick and result in hair loss.
- We are dealing with an inflammatory kind of dermatitis.
- The symptoms spread to the external auditory canal, brows, and nose wings.
This medical practitioner can provide a precise diagnosis and recommend hair products that are precisely suited to his patient, as well as the dose that must be followed. In the event of significant scalp mycosis, he will recommend a therapy tailored to the location of the inflammation.
In any case, antifungal shampoo should only be used topically. It should never be used on any part of the body other than the scalp and hair.
Between two washing of the scalp with an antifungal shampoo, it is normally recommended to use a gentle shampoo.
However, some individuals may be allergic to one of the ingredients in antifungal shampoo.
The cost of antifungal shampoo
Antifungal shampoo may be purchased through merchant sites specialised in hair and scalp care goods, organic stores, drugstores, and pharmacies. It is important to note that prescription-only antifungal shampoo may only be bought from a pharmacy.
Here are some pricing for antifungal shampoo:
- Shampoo for dandruff and dermatitis, 125 mL bottle: starting at $10;
- Shampoo for scalp irritation, for severe dandruff and itching, 100 mL bottle: $13 to $16;
- Antifungal scalp treatment on prescription: the single-dose gel starts at $2.50.
