13.9 Shampoos and other preparations for scalp and hair conditions

General Guidance
 

• The treatment of choice for dandruff is the frequent use of a mild detergent shampoo generally once or twice a week.
• Shampoos containing antimicrobial agents can also be effective. Ketoconazole containing shampoos are probably the most effective although products containing pyrithione zinc and selenium sulphide are available for people to purchase.
• Ketoconazole and corticosteroid containing gels and lotion should be reserved for the more severe conditions.
• Shampoos containing coal tar and salicylic acid may also be useful. Patients who do not respond to such treatment should be referred to exclude other skin conditions.

​Recommended drugs

Ketoconazole shampoo 2% (Nizoral)

Capasal shampoo (coal tar 1%, coconut oil 1%, salicylic acid 0.5%)

Drug Traffic Light Key:

Green – On Formulary

Amber – Restricted use, see local guidelines      

Purple – Specialist use/initiation

Red – Non Formulary

Relative Costs Key (where indicated):

£££££ - high

£££ - moderate

£ - low