Fact Check: Can Dandruff Be Effectively Combated with Aspirin?

A recent Instagram post claims that dandruff can be effectively combatted with aspirin. This claim is Half True.

Claim

In an Instagram post, the user claims that aspirin effectively combats dandruff. In the Instagram post by wellbeans.in, the user claims to combat dandruff effectively with aspirin. The user advised to Crush a few tablets of aspirin, mix it with shampoo, apply and wait. Further, the user suggests to rinse it then for a flake-free scalp.

The post has 635 likes and can be assessed here.

Fact Check

This claim is Half True. Aspirin contains an ingredient (salicylic acid) that helps with dandruff. However, the effectiveness of this Do it yourself (DIY) home remedy is likely less than that of a dedicated anti-dandruff shampoo, and the benefits might not be as significant as the claim suggests.

What is Dandruff?

Indian Journal of Dermatology, defines dandruff as a common scalp disorder that affects over half of the population at the pre-pubertal age, regardless of gender or ethnicity. The severity of dandruff varies by season since it frequently worsens in winter. The term dandruff (dandruff, dandriffe) is of Anglo-Saxon origin, combining 'tan' meaning 'tetter' and 'drof' meaning 'dirty'. Dandruff frequently causes itching. (1)

Dandruff is characterized by several symptoms affecting the scalp and hair. The most common symptoms of dandruff include: 

Flaky Scalp: The most noticeable symptom is the presence of white or yellowish flakes on the scalp. These flakes can be small or large, often visible on the hair and shoulders.

Itching: Affected individuals experience itching and irritation on the scalp. This itchiness is due to the inflammation and increased turnover of skin cells.

Dryness: The scalp feels dry or rough. In some cases, this dryness leads to tightness or discomfort.

Redness: There may be redness or inflammation on the scalp, particularly if the dandruff is associated with seborrheic dermatitis or another inflammatory condition.

Oily Scalp: In some cases, dandruff is associated with an oily scalp, where the excess sebum contributes to flaking and irritation.

Scalp Sensitivity: The affected area might be sensitive to touch or hair care products.

What is aspirin?

International Aspirin Foundation, defines aspirin as an oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine. It is a non-selective NSAID that irreversibly inhibits both cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes responsible for converting arachidonic acid to prostaglandins and thromboxane. Aspirin is chemically synthesized from salicylic acid by acetylation with acetic anhydride. The molecular weight of aspirin is 180.16 g/mol. It has no odor and ranges in color from colorless to white crystals or powder. (2)

National Cancer Institute (NCI), states aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is a drug that alleviates pain, fever, inflammation, and blood coagulation. It belongs to the family of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. (3)

NCI adds aspirin as an orally administered non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID). Acetylsalicylic acid binds to and acetylates serine residues in cyclooxygenases, which reduces prostaglandin synthesis, platelet aggregation, and inflammation. This medication has analgesic, antipyretic, and anticoagulant effects. (4)

Does applying Aspirin on hair combat dandruff effectively?

Dr Vichitra Sharma, Consultant, Dermatology, Amrita Hospital Faridabad, explains, "Aspirin might temporarily relieve mild dandruff, but it is not a comprehensive treatment. Dandruff can be caused by various factors, including a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia, a dry scalp, or an overproduction of oil. Addressing these underlying causes often requires a targeted approach, such as using anti-fungal shampoos, medicated treatments, or adjusting hair care routines. Furthermore, aspirin is not formulated for topical use on the scalp and may irritate, especially if used excessively. Individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to scalp conditions should be cautious. It is advisable to use products specifically designed to treat dandruff or consult with a dermatologist to identify the best course of action based on the underlying cause".

As per scientifc evidence, The salicylic acid in aspirin helps reduce scalp flakiness and dandruff through its keratolytic effects (1). Still, studies also highlight that prolonged use of aspirin for dandruff leads to skin irritation and dryness. 

An article by Sabir Hasanbeyzade et al., published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, compares the effectiveness of salicylic acid shampoos (derived from aspirin) against ketoconazole shampoos, a common antifungal treatment for dandruff. The results showed that both treatments were effective, though ketoconazole showed an advantage in decreasing fungal-related dandruff. However, salicylic acid shampoos were known for their ability to exfoliate the scalp and relieve symptoms. This reinforces the potential of aspirin-based treatments due to their salicylic acid content. (5) 

An article by Ranganathan et al., published in The Indian Journal of Dermatology, discusses the application of salicylic acid in dermatological treatments, focusing on dandruff management. The review evaluates various studies on the effectiveness of salicylic acid for treating dandruff, highlighting that its keratolytic properties help reduce scalp flakiness. It emphasizes that salicylic acid can be effective, achieving the best results depends on the concentration and formulation used. The review recommends using salicylic acid, a component found in aspirin, for managing dandruff when used appropriately. (1)

Another article by Bubna et al., published in The Indian Dermatology Online Journal, examines the role of aspirin in dermatological treatments. It discusses aspirin’s anti-inflammatory properties, which have made it useful for managing conditions like psoriasis, acne, and dandruff. Although the salicylic acid in aspirin can help with exfoliation and scaling, the review highlights that clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited and mostly unreliable. They also pointed out potential challenges such as inconsistent results and possible skin irritation, and emphasized the need for more thorough research. While aspirin offers some benefits, the review recommends cautious use and suggests exploring well-researched alternatives. (6)

Scientific evidence shows that salicylic acid in aspirin helps with dandruff by exfoliating the scalp and reducing symptoms. However, given this, most of the studies have focused on salicylic acid which is a component of aspirin, and there are not many studies that have directly focused on DIY use of mixing aspirin with shampoo. Aspirin's benefits are limited and mostly anecdotal, with potential risks involved. It is better to use dermatologist-certified treatments for more reliable results.

Expert Opinion 

Speaking to Medical Dialogues Team, Dr. Bela Bhat, Consultant, Dermatology at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, explained," Using aspirin mixed with shampoo for dandruff takes advantage of salicylic acid’s exfoliating effects but can cause side effects. Scalp irritation and redness may occur, especially for sensitive skin types". She further explained, that "Increased dryness could worsen dandruff by removing natural oils. Allergic reactions like itching, hives, or swelling are possible, so a patch test is recommended. Prolonged use or application on sensitive skin might trigger an allergic reaction, known as contact dermatitis. Symptoms include itching, redness, and inflammation of the scalp: Some individuals may have increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) or exacerbation of underlying skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. It’s important to use this method cautiously, testing on a small area first, and discontinuing use if any adverse effects are noticed. Consulting a dermatologist before trying this remedy is recommended, especially for those with pre-existing skin conditions".

Dr Vichitra Sharma, Consultant, Dermatology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, added, "As a dermatologist, I must say that while the claim may have some merit, it's essential to approach this remedy with caution. Aspirin does contain salicylic acid, which is a known ingredient in many anti-dandruff shampoos and treatments. Salicylic acid helps to:

1. Exfoliate the scalp, removing dead skin cells

2. Reduce inflammation and flaking

3. Unclog pores and prevent oil buildup

However, using crushed aspirin tablets mixed with shampoo is not the most effective or recommended approach for several reasons:

1. Concentration: The amount of salicylic acid in aspirin tablets is not optimized for scalp treatment.

2. pH level: Aspirin is acidic and may disrupt the scalp's natural pH balance.

3. Irritation: Aspirin can be harsh and cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.

Instead, I recommend using medicated shampoos or treatments specifically formulated for dandruff, containing salicylic acid or other active ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or coal tar. These products are designed for scalp health and are more effective and gentle.

 She further stated "If you still want to try the aspirin method, please exercise caution:

1. Start with a small patch test to check for irritation.

2. Mix a small amount (1-2 tablets) with a gentle shampoo.

3. Apply for a short duration (5-10 minutes) and rinse thoroughly.

Remember, dandruff can be a symptom of underlying conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infections. If your dandruff persists or worsens, consult a dermatologist for personalized guidance and treatment".

Medical Dialogues Final Take:

Scientific evidence suggest that mixing aspirin with shampoo to address dandruff may utilize the exfoliating effects of salicylic acid, which is found in aspirin. Studies by Saandbir Hasanbeyzade et.al, and Bubna et.al, indicate that salicylic acid can help exfoliate the scalp and alleviate dandruff symptoms. However, these studies also recommend cautious use due to potential side effects, such as irritation or dryness. Therefore, while the practice can offer some benefits, it should be used with care. Hence, the claim is Half True.

Reference:

1 https://journals.lww.com/ijd/fulltext/2010/55020/dandruff__the_most_commercially_exploited_skin.2.aspx

2 https://www.aspirin-foundation.com/history/chemistry/#:~:text=The%20Chemistry%20of%20Aspirin%20(acetylsalicylic%20acid)&text=Aspirin%20is%20prepared%20by%20chemical,white%20crystals%20or%20crystalline%20powder

3 https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/aspirin

4 https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/aspirin

5 https://jcadonline.com/?s=Comparative+Study+of+Salicylic+Acid+and+Ketoconazole+Shampoos+in+Dandruff+Treatment+Dermatology&id=24198

6 https://journals.lww.com/idoj/fulltext/2015/06060/aspirin_in_dermatology__revisited.15.aspx