Zinc Pyrithione and Dandruff

Research conducted on the causes of dandruff over the years has revealed this relatively harmless but annoying condition to be the result of the convergence of a number of elements.  One of these is the presence of skin micro-organisms in abnormal concentrations, which secrete or generate by-products that interact adversely with the scalp, causing the formation of unsightly dandruff flakes, and fostering itchiness and irritation.  In order to effectively remedy these symptoms, people everywhere have turned to various chemicals that have a proven track record against the perils suffered by one’s head skin.  One such ingredient is the active chemical complex known as zinc pyrithione, which is commonly used to fight dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and a number of other conditions.  Its antibiotic properties make it an effective remedy against various forms of bacterial infection, as well, and an ideal treatment option against eczema, tinea, athletes foot and other fungal diseases.  Zinc pyrithione is so effective in this function that it gets mixed in with paints and other products whose special property is to ward off mildew and mold.  As such, one can only imagine how potent it can be against troublesome organisms that inhabit the surface of your skin. 

Far from being a recent revolutionary scientific breakthrough, zinc pyrithione has been utilized commercially since the 1930s.  Many goods with dandruff combating properties typically contain the complex as a key element, as do various types of prescription medications.  The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of zinc pyrithione in the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, though the lack of FDA approval for use with other conditions has not deterred doctors from prescribing it as an alternative medication for their patients. 

Zinc pyrithione is not such a deadly substance in high concentrations compared to other chemical complexes, but it does pay to check your products for the amount of the complex that has been included in the ingredients.  0.3 to 2 percent concentration is a safe zinc pyrithione content for dandruff shampoos and other dandruff treatments, though a concentration of up to 4 percent is still considered relatively harmless, and may be necessary to deal with more aggressive conditions.  Regardless, one should remember that a person’s unique physiology should also be taken into consideration, and watch for possible side effects, mostly from allergic reactions.  Some of the more common side effects include hives, itching, rashes, skin irritation, breathing difficulty, tightness in the chest and swelling of the face, mouth, tongue and lips.  In more remote scenarios, the zinc pyrithione may even cause the condition it is supposed to treat to worsen.

Likewise, zinc pyrithione is meant to be used only on the outside of the body, and should not be applied to open wounds or broken skin.  Neither should it be ingested in any form.  Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are also advised not to use products containing this substance, as it may cause complications.  People with exceptional sensitivity to zinc should also avoid products with this complex, and opt for alternative dandruff remedies.

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