Zinc is an important dietary mineral that helps support body functions such as wound healing, cell division and immune response. When used in a form called pyrithione zinc, it is also a main ingredient in shampoos designed to combat the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff. You may also use pyrithione zinc in combination with another dandruff-fighting compound called ketoconazole.
Dandruff
Dandruff probably forms as the result of the combined actions of high levels of skin oil and an irritating yeast called malessizia, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus. In addition to your scalp, it may occur anywhere on your body where skin oils collect, including your outer ear, eyelids and eyebrows. Potential risk factors for dandruff development include exposure to extreme weather, obesity, poor or erratic hygiene, use of alcohol-containing lotions and the presence of skin disorders such as acne.
Pyrithione Zinc
Pyrithione zinc achieves its effects by slowing down the production of skin cells associated with dandruff, according to Drugs.com. In this way, it helps reduce common dandruff symptoms such as flaking, scaling and itching of your scalp. When using a pyrithione zinc shampoo, make sure to follow both your doctor's instructions and the dosing instructions provided on the shampoo packaging. Typically, you will gain superior treatment results when you use zinc shampoo at least twice a week.
Combination Products
In some cases, you may use a dandruff-fighting product that contains both pyrithione zinc gel and an antifungal gel called ketoconazole, Drugs.com reports. While the zinc content in these products eases your dandruff symptoms, ketoconazole kills off dandruff-causing fungus. Typically, you will apply a zinc/ketoconazole product by rubbing it in with your fingers. After this application, you will leave the gel in your scalp for at least three hours. As with pyrithione zinc shampoo, you will generally gain superior benefits from this treatment if you use it at least twice weekly.
Side Effects
Typically, use of pyrithione zinc shampoo does not cause harmful side effects, Drugs.com notes. However, you may develop symptoms of an allergic reaction that include chest tightness, breathing difficulties, hives, skin rash or irritation and swelling of your lips, tongue, face or mouth. If you experience severe forms of this allergy, get medical assistance immediately. If you use a gel that combines pyrithione zinc with ketoconazole, you may develop a mild burning sensation on your treated skin, in addition to the allergy symptoms just mentioned. Report persistent burning to your doctor and seek immediate medical assistance for severe allergic symptoms.
Considerations
You should keep any product containing pyrithione zinc away from your mouth, eyes or nose, Drugs.com explains. Do not use pyrithione zinc products on a child younger than 2 without a doctor's explicit advice. If you are pregnant, discuss any use of pyrithione zinc with your doctor. Breastfeeding women should note that doctors do not know if pyrithione zinc can be passed to a child during feedings.
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