Nizoral and Seborrheic Dermatitis

(male) I was recently prescribed Nizoral 2% and clobex lotion for a condition of moderate seborrheic dermatitis. I was told to use each once per day for a month. At the time of my doctors visit, i made a point of telling the doctor that my hair has been chemically processed quite a bit over the past few years (coloring and bleaching) and that I was concerned that he give me something that would not damage it. Within a couple of days, my hair was dried out to the point of being like straw and was breaking off near the roots. Since then I have been experiencing an abnormal amount of hair fall on a daily basis. All of the literature I can find on the 2% Nizoral seems to say that is should be used only once and then on a very intermittent basis. I am wondering what you think of the dosage that was prescribed for my condition? I should add that I have since changed doctors and have been told to use Fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% which has cleared my scalp condition in only 2 weeks. So now my scalp condition is better but my hair is stlll breaking off and falling out. Any advice?

My response to such questions requires a face-to-face meeting and an examination. The practice of medicine is an art form that caring doctors in the ‘hair’ field base their views on such issues as yours after a direct examination of the hair and scalp. Nizoral should not be abused and should always be taken as directed. If a doctor recommended a more frequent use, your probe of the problem should be directed to that doctor. Chemicals that seep into the hair follicles can damage them. Questions that an examination of the hair and scalp would point to include the differential diagnosis between telogen effluvium and cyclical genetic hair loss. I am happy to hear that your seborrheic dermatitis has resolved.