Preparation and evaluation of anti-dandruff hair gels

Dandruff is a shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp and is suffered by almost 50% of the population and causes significant discomfort. The severity can range from mild scaling to dry skin to severe scaling. Malassezia furfur is considered to be the cause of dandruff. Dandruff may also be caused by changes in humidity, trauma, seasonal changes or emotional stress. Dandruff is commonly treated using shampoos or lotions containing imidazoles, selenium sulphide, and coal tar, ketoconazole, salicylic acid and zinc pyrithiol. Shampoos or lotions do not last for the long duration on the scalp and these cannot prevent re-occurrence. The anti-malassezial activity of Clotrimazole gel as an attempt was made for formulating gels containing Clotrimazole. Hair gels last long on the scalp. Gel formulations were prepared using carbopol, Methyl cellulose & NaCMC and their activity was tested against Malassezia furfur.