Antifungal shampoo is the best way to get rid of severe fungal infection of scalp. Read on to know more on how to use it.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder which affects the skin of head and trunk of the body. A type of yeast Pityrosporum ovale infects the sebaceous glands present in this region. As a result, the skin in this area becomes red, inflamed and scaly. Often, seborrheic dermatitis is generally identified as dandruff, however, it is much severe than normal dandruff. Although, seborrheic dermatitis is very difficult to cure completely, it can certainly be controlled with the help of over the counter medications. Antifungal shampoo, which can be found with or without prescription plays a very important role in controlling scalp dermatitis.
Antibacterial Antifungal Shampoo
This type of shampoo is effective against fungal and bacterial infections. It also soothes inflammation and heals scalp bumps. It mostly comes with a strong formulation with medicinal properties. Due to the medicinal ingredients, it clears the fungus, fights bacteria and cleans oil and dirt from the scalp. Some of these shampoos are natural antifungal shampoos, with botanical extracts that effectively kill fungus and bacteria. Panthenol is an ingredient which is used to heal and soothe the inflammation. Emu oil is often used to penetrate the layers of the dermis and clean the scalp from underneath.
Medicated Antifungal Shampoo
There are certain medicated anti fungus shampoos available in the market which can be bought without prescription. These shampoos are known to effectively get rid of scalp fungus. The ingredients in these shampoos vary according to the manufacturing brand, however, most of these ingredients exhibit similar medicinal properties. The main ingredients found in these shampoos, in varying proportions are selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc sebulon, coal tar, etc. Ketoconazole is the most crucial ingredient known for its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. All of these shampoos have a strong medicated smell, due to their peculiar ingredients. Nizoral is one of the best shampoos in this category.
Antifungal Shampoo for Ringworm
Ringworm of scalp or beard is most common along with fungal infections. If not treated properly, ringworm infection can provide entry to the bacteria through the sores. This may aggravate the infection, which becomes difficult to treat with over the counter medications. Although, antifungal shampoos rarely destroy ringworm infection on their own, they can be used along with other treatments and medications such as corticosteroids. Shampoos containing tea tree oil can be helpful in curing fungal infection caused by ringworm, lice etc. Tea tree oil has tremendous anti-microbial properties as well as soothing properties.
Directions to Use
The directions to use all antifungal shampoos are more or less similar. If you have a heavy fungal infection, then it is recommended that you use these shampoos everyday, until you notice considerable decrease in the infection. Take a spoonful of shampoo or more, depending upon the length of your hair. Apply it thoroughly to the scalp and hair and leave it for about 10 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and repeat the procedure if required. After the symptoms subside, you may restrict the use of shampoo to about 2 – 3 times a week. The fungal infection should clear off within 2 – 3 weeks. However, you must continue the use of antifungal shampoo for another 2 – 3 weeks to prevent the symptoms from returning. Antifungal shampoos can be applied on face as well as other parts of the body, which have been infected. The directions are same, however do not apply the shampoo anywhere near eyes.
The main cause of fungal infections is the lack of proper hygiene measures. Antifungal shampoos can be effective only if you support them by undertaking proper hygiene measures. Sunlight is known to kill fungus and other microbes, hence exposing the affected area to sunlight helps control the fungal infection.
