Medications for Scalp Eczema
At the beginning of the treatment almost all dermatologists would recommend antifungal medications because fungus Malassezia is considered as the main cause. Depending on the state of condition several prescription as well as over-the-counter antifungal drugs can be used. There are also some supplements that could be equally effective.
Over-the-counter drugs
Ketoconazole is usually used for treating mild eczema, but as well as for prevention. It can be found as a shampoo (1% or 2%), topical cream or as an oral medication.
Clotrimazole, mostly known for branded name – Lotrimin, is medication used for all kinds of fungal infections, even for the animals.
Zinc pyrithione is a metal complex of zinc used for fungal and bacterial conditions. It is best known for its use in treating eczema, dandruff, psoriasis and vitiligo.
Climbazole is a topical antifungal agent with similar properties and effects as Zinc pyrithione.
Salicylic acid, limited to 2 - 3% for over-the-counter sale, is very powerful against many skin conditions. It is commonly used for acne treatment or as a shampoo, but 2% is also used for daily skin cleaning.
Other OTC drugs frequently included in treatment are: betadine, selenium sulfide, piroctone olamine and sulfur.
Prescription drugs
Because severe scalp eczema is very rare and most of the treatments are done topically, use of prescription medication in treatment is minimal, and should be discussed with dermatologist.
Ketoconazole as an oral drug can be bought only with prescription and it is considered as the most effective of own kind.
Ciclopirox olamine (Mycoster, Batrafen, Loprox) is a topical synthetic agent with similar mechanism of action as ketoconazole. Due to anti-inflammatory properties Mycoster eczema cream is considered as an alternative treatment for seborrhoeic dermatitis. Even though it is still in testing phase it has shown excellent result.
Fluconazole (brand name Trican), Trebinagine and Itraconazole are medications used orally as a main treatment for several fungal infections.
Other medications
Some of the medications do not work against fungus, but they are proven to be effective in treating this type of skin disorders.
Coal tar preparations are over-the-counter pharmaceuticals can be used as part of medicated shampoo, ointment or soap for dandruff, psoriasis and head lice.
Topical steroids are the most prescribed medications for treating dermatitis because of their anti-inflammatory effect. They are classified in four groups, I to IV. Depending on how serious symptoms are, steroids from adequate group are recommended. They should not be used more than two weeks in a row.
Pimecrolimus (trade name Elidel) is another topical cream that showed good results in treating various inflammatory skin diseases.
Use of vitamin B6 ointment is also recommended.
