Attenuation of Surfactant-Induced Interleukin 1α Expression by Zinc Pyrithione

Background: Dandruff is believed to be a fungus-mediated disease which responds to the topical delivery of antifungal agents. Although the primary causative factor is fungus related, distal events include an inflammatory cascade that eventually expresses itself as corneocyte flakes. The most common vehicle for dandruff treatment includes surfactants (i.e. shampoos), which as a chemical group have the potential to promote dermatitis. Objective: To evaluate the effect of antidandruff agents and antimicrobials on the potential contact irritancy of surfactants. Methods: Excretion of interleukin 1α by human skin equivalent cultures was measured after topical application of test materials. Results: Zinc pyrithione specifically reduces surfactant-induced expression of interleukin 1α. Neither its sodium salt nor other antimicrobial/antifungal agents had a similar effect. Conclusion: These data suggest that in addition to its known antifungal activity, zinc pyrithione may provide an additional benefit by reducing the potential irritancy of surfactant vehicles.