Dear Colleagues, this week we will examine dandruff, one of the most common problems we encounter on the scalp, and its treatment.
All skin covering the human body constantly renews itself. The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin structure consisting of 7 layers, sheds when it becomes old enough, making way for new cells emerging from the bottom. While the dead skin layer is shed unnoticed from exposed or clothing-covered areas of the body, it appears as small flakes on the scalp. These flakes formed on the scalp are what we call dandruff. Dandruff occurs and is noticed more in hairy areas, because it is more difficult to shed from hairy surfaces. An increase in dandruff is observed during periods when the skin renewal rate increases. It is very common in both men and women, while rare in children and the elderly. It may develop due to physiological, traumatic, and microbiological causes. There are two types: dry dandruff and oily dandruff. In dry dandruff, hyperkeratinization and abnormal shedding of the keratin layer are involved. In oily dandruff, there is an increase in the production of skin lipids. Dandruff formation can occur not only on the scalp but throughout the entire body.
Normally, mild dandruff occurs in everyone. Dandruff is not a disease. What requires attention is the density of dandruff. Sometimes, flaking can be severe enough to disrupt an individual’s social life. The problem can usually be resolved with simple anti-dandruff shampoos.
In cases of severe dandruff, the skin turnover process is greatly accelerated. Since the shedding of dead cells speeds up, these cells form clusters, resulting in visible flaking. In severe dandruff, the fungal species Malassezia furfur, which commonly resides in the skin and causes Tinea versicolor, is frequently identified. In such fungal conditions, the fungus itself must be treated. If the fungal infection on the scalp is not treated, dandruff may partially decrease with shampoos, but it can quickly return to bothersome levels.
If there is greasiness, redness, itching, and a moist sensation alongside flaking on the scalp, the problem of seborrheic dermatitis—namely severe dandruff—arises.
Intense fungal infection should be treated not only with shampoos, but also with appropriate solutions.
Treatment aims to prevent the proliferation of dandruff-causing microorganisms and remove dead cells on the scalp using keratolytic agents. For this purpose, shampoos and lotions containing salicylic acid, resorcinol, coal tar derivatives, sulfur, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, and polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine complex are used.
These lotions can be prepared in different formulations as hair tonics depending on whether the scalp is oily or dry. A healthy scalp is of great importance in preventing hair loss.
In the formulas below, Oleyl alcohol (olive oil) is used for dry scalp, whereas ethanol is included for excessively oily scalp.
When applied topically, sulfur preparations, resorcinol, and salicylic acid have an antifungal action.
For dry scalp; Anti-dandruff lotion
% w/w
Salicylic Acid 0.05
Resorcinol 0.20
Oleyl alcohol 20.00
Alcohol 79.25
Perfume 0.50
For oily scalp; Anti-dandruff lotion
In the preparation below, while sulfur and salicylic acid are used together, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, a preservative, may be added at a low level of 0.2%. Additionally, fragrance can be used in the lotion at a rate of 0.15%.
% w/w
Salicylic acid 0.05
Precipitated Sulfur 3.00
Glycerol 0.30
Ethanol 10.00
Water 86.65
Wishing you a good week…
Source;
Cosmetic and toiletry formulations second edition volume 2 by Ernest W. Flick
Spec. Pharm. Ahmet Nezihi Pekcan
Pekcan Pharmacy – Konya
[email protected]
Tel: (332) 3520657
http://www.majistralformul.com/
