If you’re struggling with acne and use social media, your feed is probably always filled with hacks, home remedies, and gadgets that influencers claim they’ve ‘tried and tested’ for acne. Common thread? Most of these tips have no scientific basis and this greatly troubles the experts.

However, one persistent hack that has been doing the rounds in our social media feeds for quite some time now is the use of dandruff shampoo to treat fungal acne (Which, by the way, is not your typical acne,

Head & Shoulders has become synonymous with anti-dandruff shampoo in India, just like Colgate has become synonymous with toothpaste.

The remedy has generated quite a bit of buzz, with people claiming that Head & Shoulders can help combat fungal acne, a problem that affects at least 20-30 percent of acne sufferers.

How to know if you have fungal acne?

Fungal acne is very different from your typical acne. In fact, Mumbai-based dermatologist and holistic health coach Dr Aparna Santhanam says fungal acne is “not acne at all.”

“It is a fungal infection of the hair follicles that most commonly occurs on the scalp, followed by the forehead and temples,” says Dr. Santhanam.

Fungal acne usually occurs when there is an excessive build-up of a fungus called Fungi Dr. Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dermato-Surgeon, The Aesthetic Clinics, Mumbai, says that this disease can occur in people suffering from malaria.

Dr. Kapoor explains that fungal acne is completely different from bacterial acne, which is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, and hormonal acne, which is often associated with hormonal imbalances.

She adds, “These fungal acne often appear as small red bumps, which can sometimes become itchy over time.” Fungal acne can occur anywhere on your body where there is hair.

Do experts approve of Head & Shoulders for fungal acne?

india today AD spoke to three experts, all of whom agreed that although Head & Shoulders contains compounds with antifungal properties, more research is needed to prove its effectiveness.

For example, Dr. Kapoor says that solid research is needed to determine the effectiveness of applying Head & Shoulders shampoo to the face to treat fungal acne. However, she also points out that Head & Shoulders contains zinc pyrithione, which is known for its antifungal properties.

Dr Avantika, Consultant Cosmetologist, Bengaluru-based Cosmoderma Skin, Hair & Body Clinics, agrees and says that apart from zinc pyrithione, these anti-dandruff shampoos also contain selenium sulphide.

According to Dr Avantika, both zinc pyrithione and selenium sulphide have been proven to be chemically effective against Malassezia-borne infections.

“So using this shampoo can help reduce the growth of this fungus,” says Dr Avantika.

‘May cause skin peeling’

Before you run to the bathroom and start applying Head & Shoulders to your face in the hopes of clearing up your acne, be aware that it has side effects and limitations.

For example, Dr. Avantika warns that these shampoos are not a “one-size-fits-all solution.” First, you need to make sure your acne is fungal, as anti-dandruff shampoo does not affect hormonal or bacterial acne.

“Only some individuals may see improvement, while others have no effect,” says Dr Avantika.

Other experts agree with him. Dr. Santhanam explains that shampoos like Head & Shoulders can cause excessive dryness of the face and even the scalp if used too often or in the wrong way.

Dr. Kapoor says, “Using shampoos that contain a lot of harsh ingredients can further aggravate your acne and also worsen your skin health. People suffering from skin conditions like dry skin, oily skin, eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis should strictly avoid this hack, as it can easily aggravate their symptoms.”

Other side effects, according to Dr. Avantika, include:

• skin irritation
• redness
• Sensitivity
• Burning, or sensitivity to sunlight.

They also stated that although it is rare, some individuals may be allergic to this shampoo.

Dr. Avantika says, “The strong surfactants in this shampoo, which is originally meant for the scalp, can strip out the natural oils from the skin when applied to the face. This can dry out the skin and make it secrete more sebum as a compensatory mechanism. Excess sebum, in turn, can lead to acne.”

Ground Level

If you suffer from fungal acne, consider consulting a doctor for effective treatment instead of experimenting with your skin.

If you want to try Head & Shoulders or another anti-dandruff shampoo for your fungal acne, start with a small amount and see if it works for you. If it causes any irritation, stop using it immediately.

(As an aside, this is why men don’t need skin care)