Clinical efficacy of Polytar AF (Fongitar) and Nizoral scalp treatments in patients with dandruff/seborrhoeic dermatitis

Dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis may be considered to represent the ends of a disease continuum. The therapeutic efficacy and cosmetic acceptability of two scalp treatments, Nizoral containing 2% ketoconazole and Polytar AF (Fongitar) containing 1% Polytar and 1% zinc pyrithione, were compared under double-blind controlled conditions in 103 patients with dandruff/seborrhoeic dermatitis. Unmedicated shampoo was used for 2 weeks, followed by the scalp treatment for 4 weeks, then unmedicated shampoo for a further 2 weeks (regression period). Shampooing was twice weekly throughout in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Dandruff was scored and a specific area of seborrhoeic dermatitis was measured on days 1, 8, 15, 29 and 43. Data on scaling, erythema and patients' assessments were also collected and statistically analysed. Both treatments significantly reduced dandruff and the area of seborrhoeic dermatitis with little change in hair dryness/greasiness, and some of the therapeutic effects were maintained during the regression period.