title: Multicenter, open-label, non-comparative study of a combination of polytar and zinc pyrithione shampoo in the management of dandruff.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dandruff is a common condition in clinical practice. We undertook a study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of zinc pyrithione and polytar in a shampoo base for the treatment of dandruff.
  
  
  METHODS
  A combination of polytar (1%) and zinc pyrithione (1%) was used for 4 weeks to treat 954 patients suffering from mild to severe dandruff. Scoring of dandruff was done on a 0-10 scale for each of the 6 regions of scalp at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 6. Follow up was for 2 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was consistent improvement in dandruff scores over the treatment and the follow up period. There was significant improvement in signs and symptoms such as erythema and itching, with a negligible adverse event profile. The global assessment by investigators showed good-excellent results in the majority of patients and there was high acceptability for the treatment among the patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A combination shampoo of polytar (1%) and zinc pyrithione (1%) offers a safe and effective option in the treatment of dandruff and its associated symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Skin &STD, Grant Medical College, Mumbai. shailendrans@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Shailendra N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Sawleshwarkar
authors.forename: Viraj
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Salgaonkar
authors.forename: Chetan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Oberai