Scaly scalp disorders (e.g. psoriasis, eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff)

• Dandruff is considered to be a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis

  • Shampoos containing pyrithione zinc (e.g. Head and Shoulders) and selenium sulfide (e.g. Selsun) may help

  • Shampoos containing tar extracts may be useful and they are also used in psoriasis

  • Ketoconazole shampoo should be considered for more persistent or severe dandruff or for seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp

  • Corticosteroid gels and lotions can also be used

  • Shampoos containing coal tar and salicylic acid may also be useful

  • Scalp psoriasis: cream or an ointment containing coal tar and salicylic acid

• Cradle cap in infants: coconut oil or olive oil applications followed by shampooing (e.g. Capasal)

Shampoos

• Ketoconazole 2% (Nizoral, Dandrazol)

• Capasal: coal tar 1%, coconut oil 1%, salicylate acid 0.5%

• Selsun: selenium sulfide 2.5%

• T/Gel: coal tar extract 2%

• Alphosyl 2 in 1: alcoholic coal tar extract 5%

Other scalp preparations

• Cocois scalp ointment: coal tar solution 12%, salicylic acid 2%, precipitated sulfur 4%, in a coconut oil emollient basis (weekly application)

• Polytar liquid tar blend 1%

• Sebco scalp ointment: coal tar solution 12%, salicylic acid 2%, precipitated sulfur 4%, in a coconut oil emollient basis

• Minoxidil (Regaine): for androgenic alopecia (men and women)

Corticosteroids

• Potent: betamethasone 0.1% scalp application (Betacap)

• Very potent: clobetasol 0.05% scalp application (Dermovate)

Corticosteroids + salicylic acid

• Diprosalic scalp application (Betamethasone + salicylic acid)

​Resources

• Shampoos and other preparations for scalp and hair conditions (BNF), British National Formulary (BNF)​, MIMS