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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Dandruff And Itchy Scalp After Taking Penicillin?

About 40 years ago I was given penecillin. Within a few days I developed teribble dandruff and itching of the scalp. i am told that the pencilling killed the encyzme that prevented yeast infection. i have been using Ketoconazole which helps a little. Is my PH somehow related. i am now 98 but except for terrible itching and dandrufl am doing okay Any comment or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. YYYY@YYYY
posted on Thu, 23 Mar 2017
Twitter Sun, 21 Oct 2018 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 23 Oct 2018 Last reviewed on
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hello!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that it is true that penicillin can exacerbate dandruff, as it is a type of fungal infection of the hairy skin, which can be triggered by antibiotics.

Coming to this point, I would recommend using Ketokonazole shampoo, coupled with oral Fluconasole tablets, for a short period of time.
Cetirizine would help against itching.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka,
Cardiologist
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What Causes Dandruff And Itchy Scalp After Taking Penicillin?

Hello! Regarding your concern, I would explain that it is true that penicillin can exacerbate dandruff, as it is a type of fungal infection of the hairy skin, which can be triggered by antibiotics. Coming to this point, I would recommend using Ketokonazole shampoo, coupled with oral Fluconasole tablets, for a short period of time. Cetirizine would help against itching. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist