Is washing hair with povidone-iodine effective for dandruff?

Jan 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, using povidone-iodine to wash the hair is ineffective against dandruff. If necessary, its use should follow medical advice. Dandruff is typically associated with normal scalp metabolism, seborrheic dermatitis, tinea capitis, and other factors. Although povidone-iodine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic agent that can kill various bacteria and fungi, it does not have cleansing or therapeutic effects on these scalp conditions.

Generally, using povidone-iodine to wash the hair is ineffective against dandruff. If necessary, it should be used according to medical advice. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Dandruff formation is typically related to normal scalp metabolism, seborrheic dermatitis, tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), and other factors. Although povidone-iodine is a broad-spectrum disinfectant that can kill various bacteria and fungi, it does not have cleansing or therapeutic effects on these scalp conditions. Using povidone-iodine for hair washing mainly serves as a topical disinfectant and cannot directly target the underlying causes of dandruff. Therefore, washing the hair with povidone-iodine cannot treat dandruff.

Moreover, during hair washing, povidone-iodine only briefly contacts the scalp, and after rinsing, the residual amount left on the scalp is limited, making it difficult to continuously exert its effects to maintain a healthy scalp environment. The scalp is also a dynamic environment with ongoing physiological processes such as sebum secretion and cell renewal. Povidone-iodine cannot continuously address these complex processes, making it difficult to achieve long-term and effective suppression of dandruff.

In daily life, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene habits, regularly and thoroughly clean the scalp, and use mild shampoo suitable for one's specific scalp condition. Avoid using harsh cleansing products that may damage the scalp's barrier function and worsen dandruff problems.

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Why does oily hair tend to lead to hair loss?

Using overly cleansing shampoo products, such as alkaline shampoo soaps or alkaline shampoos, and washing the hair too frequently may excessively remove sebum from the scalp, leading to a dry and tight sensation. In response, the sebaceous glands may compensate by secreting excessive oil, resulting in oily hair, dandruff accumulation, and even clogged hair follicles, which may lead to follicular atrophy.

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What are the benefits and side effects of selenium sulfide shampoo?

In general, selenium sulfide shampoo refers to selenium sulfide lotion. This lotion has effects including antifungal action, dandruff removal, oil control, cleansing of the scalp, and relief of scalp itching. Side effects may include scalp dryness, hair dryness and fragility, contact dermatitis, hair color changes, and increased hair loss. Carefully read the instructions before using selenium sulfide lotion to understand the proper usage and precautions.