How should ciclopirox olamine be used?

The ciclopirox olamine is also widely used in hair care and is commonly applied to the scalp to combat certain fungal conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, or simply against dandruff. Thanks to its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, ciclopirox olamine effectively reduces itching, scaling, and redness typical of these conditions. For reference, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis result from an imbalance in the scalp linked to accelerated cell turnover, leading to a buildup of flakes on the surface and promoting the proliferation of yeasts of the Malassezia.

Note : Ciclopirox olamine is an active ingredient used on the scalp only, not on the hair lengths.

Ciclopirox olamine is generally offered in the form of shampoo. It is applied directly to wet scalp, gently massaging to distribute the product evenly. It is recommended to leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. During the initial phase, application should be performed 2 to 3 times per week, then once weekly for maintenance, according to medical recommendations and symptom severity. The use of ciclopirox olamine–based shampoos should remain limited to the scalp : these products are not intended for use on the face or other areas of the body.

Finally, it is possible to use the ciclopirox olamine in cases of onychomycosis, that is, a fungal infection of the nail caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds. The benefit of this active compound lies in its ability to penetrate nail keratin to reach the pathogen while limiting inflammation of the nail matrix. Ciclopirox olamine is typically formulated as a medicated nail lacquer applied directly to the affected nail. This treatment is often favored in moderate, localized forms of onychomycosis, particularly when only one or two nails are affected, or as an adjunct to an oral antifungal to optimize outcomes

Ciclopirox olamine nail lacquers are typically applied in a thin layer to each previously cleaned infected nail, once a day, preferably in the evening, to allow for proper overnight penetration. Once a week, it is recommended to use a remover to remove the film-forming layer on the nail surface that, over time, could impair the penetration of ciclopirox olamine. It is also at that time recommended to trim and file the nails. Management of onychomycosis is often quite lengthy: the application of the medicated nail lacquer must be continued without interruption for several months, generally three for a fingernail and six for a toenail, depending on the rate of regrowth. During this entire period, the use of cosmetic nail polish is, of course, contraindicated.

The duration of onychomycosis treatment with ciclopirox olamine–based medicated nail lacquer should not exceed six months.