ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Dandruff is a common condition in clinical practice. We undertook a study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of zinc pyrithione and polytar in a shampoo base for the treatment of dandruff. METHODS: A combination of polytar (1%) and zinc pyrithione (1%) was used for 4 weeks to treat 954 patients suffering from mild to severe dandruff. Scoring of dandruff was done on a 0-10 scale for each of the 6 regions of scalp at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 6. Follow up was for 2 weeks. RESULTS: There was consistent improvement in dandruff scores over the treatment and the follow up period. There was significant improvement in signs and symptoms such as erythema and itching, with a negligible adverse event profile. The global assessment by investigators showed good-excellent results in the majority of patients and there was high acceptability for the treatment among the patients. CONCLUSION: A combination shampoo of polytar (1%) and zinc pyrithione (1%) offers a safe and effective option in the treatment of dandruff and its associated symptoms.