Common Medications
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Hair grows on every part of the human body except the palms, soles, and lips. It keeps the body warm, provides cushioning for the scalp, and protects organs like the eyes, ears, and nose from airborne particles like dust. The average person has 5 million hairs on the body, including around 100,000 hair follicles on the head. Hair grows at a rate of about half an inch a month. The lifespan of most hairs is around 6 years, after which they fall out and new hairs replace them.
Hair is made of a protein called keratin. It grows from the hair root beneath the skin, which is contained inside a small tube called a hair follicle. Each hair follicle has an attached sebaceous gland that secretes oil to make the hair waterproof. Blood vessels feed each hair follicle and provide the nourishment needed to keep hair growing. However, the part of the hair that pushes up above the surface of the skin is made up of dead cells, which is why it is not painful to cut hair with scissors.
Some of the most common hair problems that afflict humans include flaking caused by dandruff (seborrhea), seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, bacterial infections like folliculitis, fungal infections like scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), infestations with lice (pediculosis capitis), and hair loss (alopecia).
Medications for Hair and Scalp Treatment
Antifungal shampoos like ciclopirox (Loprox) are used to treat dandruff-like conditions of the scalp and hair. These medicated shampoos have broad-spectrum antifungal as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Ketoconazole shampoos like Nizoral are used to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (scaly areas on the scalp).
Pyrithione zinc shampoos such as Head and Shoulders and T/Gel Daily Control are used to treat seborrhea (dandruff). They are available over-the-counter and have both antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Salicylic acid shampoos are available over-the-counter for the treatment of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, and psoriasis of the scalp. It is important to avoid getting these products into the eyes, nose, or mouth – if this occurs, you should rinse with water immediately.
Selenium sulfide shampoos like Selsun Blue are used for the treatment of itching and flaking of the scalp. They remove dry, scaly particles (dandruff or seborrhea) and are also used to treat tinea versicolor, a fungal infection.
Tar-containing shampoos are like Neutrogena T/Gel Original and Ionil T Plus are available over-the-counter to relieve scalp itching and inflammation associated with seborrhea and scalp psoriasis.
Corticosteroid shampoos such as clobetasol propionate (Clobex) are used to treat moderate to severe scalp psoriasis in adults. This hair treatment is limited to a maximum of 4 weeks and should be discontinued or substituted with a less potent topical steroid as soon as control is achieved.
Pediculicides are medicines that kill head lice and their nits (eggs). Examples include permethrin lotion and pyrethrins, which are available over-the-counter, and prescription medications like benzyl alcohol, ivermectin, malathion, Spinosad, and lindane shampoo. In addition to the person with an active infestation, it is recommended that close contacts and household members be checked and treated for head lice at the same time. Bed-mates of a person with active head lice infestation may need to be treated prophylactically (preventive treatment). It may also be necessary to take supplemental measures like washing clothing and bed linen used in the 2 days before treatment.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Hair and Scalp Treatment
Many medicated shampoos are available over-the-counter to treat common hair problems. These products can usually be used safely, but if they cause side effects, you should discontinue their use and consult a doctor promptly.
There are hundreds of OTC supplements containing various substances like biotin, keratin, hyaluronic acid, collagen peptides, and vitamins that claim to help hair grow longer and stronger. It is worth noting that these supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Also, there is no good scientific evidence to support that they work.
Common Side Effects of Hair and Scalp Medications
Antifungal shampoos like ciclopirox can cause mild itching. More serious side effects include redness, burning, blistering, and oozing of the skin. Rarely, these hair treatments can lead to an allergic reaction with hives, rash, and swelling of the face, tongue, and lips.
Possible unwanted effects of ketoconazole shampoos include dryness or oiliness of the scalp. Less commonly, these medicated shampoos can cause itching, burning, stinging, and irritation.
Pyrithione zinc shampoos can cause stinging, burning, peeling, and rarely, irritation of the skin.
Common side effects of salicylic acid shampoos include skin irritation and stinging.
Selenium sulfide shampoos can cause oiliness or dryness of the scalp, hair discoloration, and hair loss. More serious side effects include scalp irritation, which should be checked out by a doctor.
Coal tar shampoos can cause stinging or burning of the scalp, peeling of the skin, and discoloration or staining.
Potential adverse reactions of Clobex shampoo include itching, irritation, stinging, swelling, acne, dry skin, and hair loss.
Common Questions
Does diet affect hair health?
Hair is primarily made up of protein. Therefore, eating a balanced diet, including foods that are good sources of protein, such as lean meats, fish, and poultry, as well as low-fat dairy products and eggs, is important. A diet that does not contain enough protein can lead to weak, brittle, and discolored hair.
What can I do to keep my hair and scalp healthy?
Use of the wrong type of hair products can cause significant damage. You should, therefore, use the right kind of shampoos and hair products for your hair type. How often you need to shampoo your hair depends on your hair texture, use of hair products, and activity level, but in general, it is not recommended to wash hair more than once a day. You should avoid using very hot or very cold water. Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible and avoid using hair dryers or other heat styling tools as much as possible. Massage increases blood circulation in the scalp and promotes hair growth. Getting a haircut every 12 weeks or so also helps keep hair healthy and prevents split ends.
Can I get a discount on hair treatment with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including hair and scalp treatments—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/hairproblems.html
2. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/skin-hair-and-nails/medicated-shampoos-why-theyre-used-and-how-they-work
3. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ciclopirox
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19702-ciclopirox-shampoo
5. https://www.rxlist.com/clobex-shampoo-drug.htm#side_effects
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ketoconazole-topical-route/description/drg-20067739
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/salicylic-acid-topical-route/description/drg-20066030
8. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682258.html
9. https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_neutrogena_tgel_coal_tar_shampoo/drugs-condition.htm
10. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/treatment.html
11. https://www.healthline.com/health/tricks-healthier-fuller-hair
Common Hair & Scalp Treatment Health Medications
Hair & Scalp Treatment
Get the latest information on common prescription and over-the-counter hair treatment medications.
Hair grows on every part of the human body except the palms, soles, and lips. It keeps the body warm, provides cushioning for the scalp, and protects organs like the eyes, ears, and nose from airborne particles like dust. The average person has 5 million hairs on the body, including around 100,000 hair follicles on the head. Hair grows at a rate of about half an inch a month. The lifespan of most hairs is around 6 years, after which they fall out and new hairs replace them.
Hair is made of a protein called keratin. It grows from the hair root beneath the skin, which is contained inside a small tube called a hair follicle. Each hair follicle has an attached sebaceous gland that secretes oil to make the hair waterproof. Blood vessels feed each hair follicle and provide the nourishment needed to keep hair growing. However, the part of the hair that pushes up above the surface of the skin is made up of dead cells, which is why it is not painful to cut hair with scissors.
Some of the most common hair problems that afflict humans include flaking caused by dandruff (seborrhea), seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, bacterial infections like folliculitis, fungal infections like scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), infestations with lice (pediculosis capitis), and hair loss (alopecia).
Medications for Hair and Scalp Treatment
Antifungal shampoos like ciclopirox (Loprox) are used to treat dandruff-like conditions of the scalp and hair. These medicated shampoos have broad-spectrum antifungal as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Ketoconazole shampoos like Nizoral are used to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (scaly areas on the scalp).
Pyrithione zinc shampoos such as Head and Shoulders and T/Gel Daily Control are used to treat seborrhea (dandruff). They are available over-the-counter and have both antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Salicylic acid shampoos are available over-the-counter for the treatment of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, and psoriasis of the scalp. It is important to avoid getting these products into the eyes, nose, or mouth – if this occurs, you should rinse with water immediately.
Selenium sulfide shampoos like Selsun Blue are used for the treatment of itching and flaking of the scalp. They remove dry, scaly particles (dandruff or seborrhea) and are also used to treat tinea versicolor, a fungal infection.
Tar-containing shampoos are like Neutrogena T/Gel Original and Ionil T Plus are available over-the-counter to relieve scalp itching and inflammation associated with seborrhea and scalp psoriasis.
Corticosteroid shampoos such as clobetasol propionate (Clobex) are used to treat moderate to severe scalp psoriasis in adults. This hair treatment is limited to a maximum of 4 weeks and should be discontinued or substituted with a less potent topical steroid as soon as control is achieved.
Pediculicides are medicines that kill head lice and their nits (eggs). Examples include permethrin lotion and pyrethrins, which are available over-the-counter, and prescription medications like benzyl alcohol, ivermectin, malathion, Spinosad, and lindane shampoo. In addition to the person with an active infestation, it is recommended that close contacts and household members be checked and treated for head lice at the same time. Bed-mates of a person with active head lice infestation may need to be treated prophylactically (preventive treatment). It may also be necessary to take supplemental measures like washing clothing and bed linen used in the 2 days before treatment.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Hair and Scalp Treatment
Many medicated shampoos are available over-the-counter to treat common hair problems. These products can usually be used safely, but if they cause side effects, you should discontinue their use and consult a doctor promptly.
There are hundreds of OTC supplements containing various substances like biotin, keratin, hyaluronic acid, collagen peptides, and vitamins that claim to help hair grow longer and stronger. It is worth noting that these supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Also, there is no good scientific evidence to support that they work.
Common Side Effects of Hair and Scalp Medications
Antifungal shampoos like ciclopirox can cause mild itching. More serious side effects include redness, burning, blistering, and oozing of the skin. Rarely, these hair treatments can lead to an allergic reaction with hives, rash, and swelling of the face, tongue, and lips.
Possible unwanted effects of ketoconazole shampoos include dryness or oiliness of the scalp. Less commonly, these medicated shampoos can cause itching, burning, stinging, and irritation.
Pyrithione zinc shampoos can cause stinging, burning, peeling, and rarely, irritation of the skin.
Common side effects of salicylic acid shampoos include skin irritation and stinging.
Selenium sulfide shampoos can cause oiliness or dryness of the scalp, hair discoloration, and hair loss. More serious side effects include scalp irritation, which should be checked out by a doctor.
Coal tar shampoos can cause stinging or burning of the scalp, peeling of the skin, and discoloration or staining.
Potential adverse reactions of Clobex shampoo include itching, irritation, stinging, swelling, acne, dry skin, and hair loss.
Common Questions
Does diet affect hair health?
Hair is primarily made up of protein. Therefore, eating a balanced diet, including foods that are good sources of protein, such as lean meats, fish, and poultry, as well as low-fat dairy products and eggs, is important. A diet that does not contain enough protein can lead to weak, brittle, and discolored hair.
What can I do to keep my hair and scalp healthy?
Use of the wrong type of hair products can cause significant damage. You should, therefore, use the right kind of shampoos and hair products for your hair type. How often you need to shampoo your hair depends on your hair texture, use of hair products, and activity level, but in general, it is not recommended to wash hair more than once a day. You should avoid using very hot or very cold water. Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible and avoid using hair dryers or other heat styling tools as much as possible. Massage increases blood circulation in the scalp and promotes hair growth. Getting a haircut every 12 weeks or so also helps keep hair healthy and prevents split ends.
Can I get a discount on hair treatment with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including hair and scalp treatments—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/hairproblems.html
2. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/skin-hair-and-nails/medicated-shampoos-why-theyre-used-and-how-they-work
3. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ciclopirox
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19702-ciclopirox-shampoo
5. https://www.rxlist.com/clobex-shampoo-drug.htm#side_effects
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ketoconazole-topical-route/description/drg-20067739
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/salicylic-acid-topical-route/description/drg-20066030
8. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682258.html
9. https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_neutrogena_tgel_coal_tar_shampoo/drugs-condition.htm
10. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/treatment.html
11. https://www.healthline.com/health/tricks-healthier-fuller-hair
Common Hair & Scalp Treatment Health Medications
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