I AM NOT A DOCTOR. This is not a recommendation. I am writing this note for myself so I do not forget.
I use a scalp serum with active ingredients: climbazole + piroctone olamine.
- they are considered safe,
- the risk of tolerance is minimal,
- the skin has time to recover.
Important. I do not use shampoos. I wash my head with water only, about once a week (1–2 minutes). I believe that most shampoos can damage the skin barrier. All actions and conclusions described here are made with this in mind.
We are looking for a product with a composition like: AQUA, CLIMBAZOLE, PIROCTONE OLAMINE, GLYCERIN… The concentration should be low.
We will use it once a week.
Clean skin is required. This does not mean washing with shampoo (surfactants are bad). Clean skin means:
- no dust,
- no sweat,
- no surface flakes,
- no excess surface sebum.
How to cleanse the scalp:
- water for 2–3 minutes
- very gently go over the skin with fingers (no scraping)
- let the hair drain
- blot with a towel
- wait 10 minutes
How to apply the serum to the scalp:
- moisten the scalp with water
- apply the serum in a thin layer to the scalp (not to the hair length)
- do not massage aggressively
- leave on for 15–30 minutes
- rinse off with cool water
That is all.
- antimycotics have time to work;
- nothing accumulates;
- minimal risk of irritation;
- no barrier damage.
If after 4–6 weeks:
- the eyebrows continue to thin,
- itching/flaking do not decrease,
then it makes sense to briefly add ketoconazole 2% (cream/lotion, if you can find a non-shampoo form) as a starter,
and then return to this product as maintenance.
On the eyebrows (once a week)
Cleansing:
- cool or slightly warm water
- gently rinse the face
- do not rub anything
- blot with a towel
- wait 5–10 minutes until the skin is dry
How to apply the serum:
- skin is clean and dry
- apply a very thin layer (literally a film) to the skin under the eyebrows, not on the hairs
- do not rub in
- leave for 10–15 minutes (less than on the scalp)
- rinse with cool water
- gently blot with a towel
If the following appear:
- burning,
- redness,
- increased flaking,
— stop and return to scalp use only.
What next?
Phase 1 — treatment (what you are doing now)
- once a week
- apply → 15–30 minutes → rinse with water
- course: 4–6 weeks
Goal: reduce fungal activity and inflammation.
Phase 2 — maintenance (long-term, safe)
When:
- itching is gone or minimal
- flaking is noticeably reduced
- eyebrows stop shedding
Then:
Maintenance regimen
- once every 2–3 weeks
- our serum
- 10–15 minutes
- rinse with water
This is enough to:
- prevent Malassezia from flaring up again,
- avoid overloading the skin,
- preserve the barrier.