A Comparison of Clinical Efficacy between a Basic Shampoo with Herbal Extracts Containing Climbazole and Its Similar Sample Containing Piroctone Olamine in the Treatment of Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis

Background: Dandruff especially with itching and inflammation is a common complaint among patients in the clinic and its treatment is much challenging. Chemical anti fungal substances used in antidandruff shampoos are common treatments. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of two of these anti dandruff substances, climbazole and piroctone olamine in the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis in shampoos with herbal extracts. Methods: One hundred and twenty men with scalp dandruff of the same severity, between 20-30 years old and in the same occupational condition in terms of sun exposure or environmental pollution were selected and divided randomly into two 60-subject groups. After each shampoo was applied 3 times a week for 5 weeks one in group 1 and the other in group 2, patients were assessed for existence of itching and redness of scalp and reduction in dandruff and results were compared between two groups. Results: Itching and redness were completely cured in both groups after treatment. Dandruff was completely cured in 80% of patients and reduced in 20% of patients in climbazole group (p < 0.001), though completely cured in 55% of patients and reduced in 45% of patients in piroctone olamine group (p < 0.001). Climbazole was over piroctone olamine in reduction of dandruff with significant difference (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Both shampoos containing climbazole or piroctone olamine beside herbal extracts are effective in the reduction of dandruff and relief of other seborrheic dermatitis symptoms but climbazole seems to be more effective than piroctone olamine in the treatment of dandruff. (Iran J Dermatol 2009;12: 82-85)