Malassezia (Pityrosporum) Folliculitis Medication

Updated: Apr 03, 2020
  • Author: Sarah Sweeney Pinney, MD, FAAD; Chief Editor: William D James, MD  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

The goal of pharmacotherapy for Pityrosporum folliculitis is to reduce morbidity and prevent complications.

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Antifungals

Class Summary

Antifungals are used in the first-line therapy of Pityrosporum folliculitis. The use of topical agents has few adverse effects besides an allergic reaction to the active medicine or inactive component. The mechanism of action usually involves the inhibition of pathways (eg, enzyme, substrate, transport) that are necessary for sterol and/or cell membrane synthesis, or the permeability of the cell membrane (polyenes) of the fungal cell is altered.

Ciclopirox (Loprox)

Ciclopirox interferes with DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis by inhibiting the transport of essential elements in fungal cells.

Ketoconazole (Extina, Nizoral shampoo, Xolegel)

Ketoconazole is available as a tablet, a 2% cream, and a 1% or 2% shampoo. It is a midazole broad-spectrum antifungal agent; it inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, causing cellular components to leak and resulting in fungal cell death.

Econazole topical (Ecoza)

Econazole is effective in cutaneous infections. It interferes with RNA and protein synthesis and metabolism. Econazole disrupts fungal cell wall permeability, causing fungal cell death.

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Topical Skin Products

Class Summary

These agents are helpful in the treatment of itching and flaking associated with dermatitis.

Selenium sulfide topical (Tersi, Dandrex, Selsun Blue, Head & Shoulders)

Selenium sulfide blocks the enzymes involved in epithelial tissue growth; use 1% or 2.5% shampoo and/or lotion.

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