Diane Stafrace discusses the advantages of shampoos, combining ketoconazole with zinc pyrithione, launched recently in Paris.
Many of us are faced with a common but uncomfortable skin problem, that of fungal infections. Such skin disorders can show up in various forms and in diverse areas of the body. A common fungal outbreak is that of dandruff. Itchy, irritated scalp together with flaking skin are the distressful symptoms that dandruff brings with it, not to mention also the hesitation to wear black!
The leading cause of dandruff is believed to be a naturally occurring fungus found on almost everyone's scalp called P.ovale. Our lifestyle, including our diet, hormones, stress, climate environment and genetics, influence the way our body reacts to it. Studies show that this fungus feeds on your scalp's natural oils and creates acid by-products causing irritation leading to flaking, scaling and itching of the scalp.
Treatments and medications are of course available to combat such conditions and the most commonly used and effective anti-fungals are Ketoconazole and Zinc Pyrithione.
Ketoconazole is a synthetic imidazole antifungal. It is effective for superficial fungal infections, genital candidosis and chronic mucocutaneous candidosis. Whereas Zinc Pyrithione is a derivative of zinc and acts as an antibacterial agent, it also works as an anti-fungal agent to fight many pathogenic microorganisms that cause fungal infections.
Zinc Pyrithione is used to control dandruff and inflammation of the skin which cause excessive discharge of sebum or oil, thus reducing the annoying itching and flaking of the scalp, which are symptoms associated with dandruff. Both Ketoconazole and Zinc Pyrithione work wonders when combined together. However, most products on the market only contain either one of such active ingredients, and to deal with present conditions of skin fungal infections while also fending off their reappearance in the future, their combination is essential.
Alta Care Laboratoires have just launched the Keto–Z range of shampoos and conditioners in Paris. Keto–Z has five actions in a unique synergic combination. An ingenious product since it combines both Ketoconazole and Zinc Pyrithione in one. The Ketoconazole works as an anti dandruff and anti fungal therefore treating the underlying cause.
The Zinc Pyrithione acts on the scalp to remove irritation, dryness and itchiness. Additional benefits include, pro vitamin B5 which is a conditioning agent, Vitamin E and micronised particles in a pearlised shampoo for better penetration. Keto–Z is available in a pharmaceutical form of both 0.5 per cent for frequent use and two per cent of Ketoconazole to suit various conditions of fungal ailments.
Keto-Z is not only a topical treatment for dandruff, but the combination of ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione is also excellent for Pityrisiasis Versicolor (Sun spots), T. corporis, T. cruris and Athlete’s foot. Keto-Z is not only a topical treatment for dandruff but, as a result of the combination of ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione, it is also excellent for Pityrisiasis Versicolor (sun spots), Tinea corporis, Tinea cruris and Athlete’s foot.
What makes this range complete is the Keto-Z conditioner, which allows the ketoconazole to remain in the hair for more than three days, leaving the head free from all the uncomfortable itching and flaking plus the embarrassment, isolation and the lack of confidence such symptoms bring with them!