Listerine is a popular mouthwash that was once advertised as a remedy for dandruff. However, scientific evidence is lacking for Listerine being effective in treating dandruff and it is not endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration for that use.
History
Listerine was first used as a surgical disinfectant. It was the brainchild of Dr. Joseph Lawrence, who was inspired by Dr. Joseph Lister. Lister pioneered antiseptic surgery, believing that germs caused infection, according to the Kilmer House website. Lawrence, who named the product Listerine after Lister, created a formula that had germicidal properties without being too harsh. Listerine was originally marketed for cleaning cuts, treating dandruff and athlete's foot, and soothing insect bites.
Identification
Listerine is a formula of four essential oils: eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate and thymol, according to the Listerine website. Eucalyptol is derived from eucalyptus oil and is a flavoring agent, expectorant and local anesthetic. Menthol is used for mint flavoring, as an antiseptic and analgesic and is taken from peppermint oil. Methyl salicylate is a wintergreen oil used as a flavoring agent. It is a derivative of salicylic acid which has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Thymol is made from thyme oil and is used as an antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial agent. Listerine is an antiseptic, which prevents infection by inhibiting the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
Dandruff
Dandruff produces white, oily flakes of dead skin and can make your scalp itch, red and irritated. Dry skin or not washing your hair enough can produce flakes of dead skin. Contact dermatitis from styling products can also cause dandruff if your scalp is irritated. Skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis can occur on your scalp which causes itching, redness and flaky skin, according to MayoClinic.com. Seborrheic dermatitis is an excess of oil on the scalp which can create flakes of dead skin with itching and redness. Another cause of dandruff is malassezia, a naturally occurring fungus located on the scalp, when it becomes out of control, producing flakes of dead skin.
Significance
Before Listerine became mainstream as a mouthwash, it was promoted for effectively treating dandruff. Though no scientific evidence shows that Listerine treats dandruff, it is still a popular folk remedy. Because dandruff can be caused by skin or fungal infections, the theory of using Listerine, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties, is not a far stretch for treating dandruff. The idea is that dandruff is mostly caused by Pityrosporum ovale, a fungus that feeds on the scalp's oils. By applying Listerine to your scalp, the essential oils that make up Listerine's ingredient list kill the fungus, thus treating the dandruff, according to the Surviving Hair Loss website. However, in the late 1930s, the Federal Trade Commission instructed the manufacturers of Listerine to remove from its label the notion that it cures dandruff.
Considerations
Dandruff can be mild to severe and may have an underlying cause. If dandruff is not treated properly, hair loss or skin infections may occur. Contact your doctor to help determine the best treatment for your dandruff.
References
- Kilmer House: Listerine Antiseptic: A Very Useful Product
- Listerine: How Does Listerine Work?
- MayoClinic.com: Dandruff
- The Free Dictionary: Antiseptic
- The Free Dictionary: Eucalyptol
- The Journal of the American Medical Association: Listerine and Alka-Seltzer -- The Federal Trade Commission Takes Action
