Living with a chronic skin condition like hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), can make it difficult to find a skin care routine that will treat and prevent lesions, cysts, and other skin issues. Some people get creative — like using a popular dandruff shampoo as a body wash.

One myHSteam member shared, “I’ve been using Head & Shoulders shampoo as a body wash for a couple of years. I think it helps!” Another said, “Washing with Head & Shoulders helps with my boils and breakouts.”

Keep reading to learn more about Head & Shoulders and whether it might be worth discussing with your doctor or dermatologist as part of your HS treatment plan.

What Is Head & Shoulders?

Head & Shoulders is a line of shampoos and hair care products designed to treat dandruff, a common skin condition that causes dry, flaky, and sometimes itchy skin on the scalp.

The main ingredient in Head & Shoulders for mild to moderate dandruff is pyrithione zinc. For more severe cases, the company offers products with selenium sulfide.

Head & Shoulders shampoos are available without a prescription. Other over-the-counter dandruff shampoos include Aveeno Nourish + Dandruff Control and Selsun Blue Itchy Dry Scalp Antidandruff Shampoo.

Active Ingredients in Head & Shoulders

The ingredients in Head & Shoulders vary by product, but three key ingredients are pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, and zinc carbonate.

Pyrithione Zinc

Pyrithione zinc is an antibacterial and antifungal agent used to treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and other types of skin irritation. In addition to being used in dandruff shampoos like Head & Shoulders, pyrithione zinc is commonly available in topical lotions, soaps, and sprays. Side effects from topical pyrithione zinc are rare.

Selenium Sulfide

Selenium sulfide is an antifungal agent used to treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and a fungal infection called tinea versicolor. It doesn’t treat skin conditions caused by bacteria or viruses. Selenium sulfide can discolor hair and the scalp, so use it as directed.

Zinc Carbonate

Zinc carbonate moisturizes the scalp and helps protect pyrithione zinc, making sure it works effectively.

Ingredients to Avoid

Head & Shoulders offers a wide range of products, from regular shampoos and conditioners to scalp treatments and clinical-strength shampoos. Before trying a new product on your hair or skin, check the ingredient list.

People with HS should generally avoid products containing tea tree oil, dyes, parabens, fragrances, exfoliators, rubbing alcohol, and beta-hydroxy acids. These ingredients can dry out the skin, clog hair follicles, or cause allergic reactions.

Does Head & Shoulders Treat HS Symptoms?

Head & Shoulders isn’t marketed as a treatment option for hidradenitis suppurativa, but the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of pyrithione zinc could make some Head & Shoulders products helpful for some people with HS.

Pyrithione zinc is antibacterial, so washing with it could reduce or eliminate a significant factor in worsening HS symptoms — an overgrowth of bacteria on the skin. This bacterial overgrowth is why other antibacterial products like chlorhexidine gluconate and benzoyl peroxide are often recommended for HS.

Selenium sulfide, another key ingredient in some Head & Shoulders products, is an antifungal. While the exact cause of HS is unknown, antifungals are not generally prescribed for this skin condition.

While more research is needed, if you want to explore the benefits of Head & Shoulders for your HS symptoms, look for products like the Classic Clean and Dry Scalp Care shampoos that contain pyrithione zinc, rather than the Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Shampoos, which contain selenium sulfide. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to ask which products they recommend for HS and why.

What myHSteam Members Say

When myHSteam members share tips for managing and preventing HS flares, some mention using Head & Shoulders.

One member shared, “I’ve been using Head & Shoulders for two weeks now. The itching has stopped, the swelling has gone down, and I’m no longer sore. I’m surprised that Head & Shoulders worked for me!”

Here’s what other members have said:

• “I’ve been using Head & Shoulders on my flared areas this week. It’s been very helpful.”
• “I wash with Head & Shoulders shampoo and manuka honey shampoo. When I’m in pain, I use Vicks VapoRub.”
• “Head & Shoulders shampoo is great!”
• “Whenever an HS flare tries to happen in my armpits, I wash really well with Head & Shoulders. It helps every time.”
• “I use chlorhexidine (Dyna-Hex) and Classic Head & Shoulders shampoo.”
• “I use my hand to wash my affected areas with CeraVe acne wash or Head & Shoulders shampoo. Then I pat dry with paper towels, apply witch hazel, and air-dry.”
• “When I’m having a flare-up, I use Hibiclens, Head & Shoulders shampoo, a heating pad, and ibuprofen.”
• “Try the Classic Head & Shoulders shampoo!”

While these members have had positive results with Head & Shoulders as a treatment option for HS, keep in mind that what works for some may not work for everyone. Ask your dermatologist which cleansers, lotions, or other over-the-counter products they recommend for your HS symptoms.

How To Use Head & Shoulders for HS

Since Head & Shoulders wasn’t made specifically for HS, there are no guidelines for using it as an HS treatment option. Ask your doctor if they think using Head & Shoulders as a shampoo or body wash could help and whether they’ve seen others with HS benefit from it.

Here are some general tips for trying new products:

• Use as directed on the bottle unless your healthcare provider says otherwise.
• Check the ingredient list to make sure you’re not allergic to anything.
• Try it on a small patch of skin (for example, the elbow crease) first to see how your body reacts.
• Avoid getting the product in your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth.
• Stop using it if you feel itching or stinging.
• If you think you’re having an allergic reaction, seek medical help right away.

Some people find it helpful to take notes when trying new therapies for HS. Write down:

• When you used the product
• How long you left it on your skin
• Whether you noticed improvement or side effects

This can help you decide whether it’s worth adding the product to your regular skin care routine.

At-Home Remedies for HS

Hidradenitis suppurativa can be hard to treat. Along with medications like steroids, biologics, antibiotics, and hormones, your healthcare provider might suggest surgery, laser hair removal, or other procedures, especially if you have painful abscesses or nodules.

However, there are some at-home tips that might bring you relief too:

• Wash your skin with antiseptic cleansers like chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide.
• Use warm compresses to ease pain and reduce swelling.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid friction in areas like your underarms and groin.
• Be gentle with your skin to avoid irritation or injury.
• Avoid bleach baths — they’re effective for eczema but not for HS.
• Try anti-inflammatory lotions like CeraVe, Aveeno, and Cetaphil.
• Apply clindamycin before bed.

No matter where you are in your HS journey, consider getting help from a dermatology specialist. If you’re already working with a dermatologist but not getting the relief you need, consider seeking a second opinion. Many people also find it helpful to connect with others living with HS to share tips and stories.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myHSteam, the social network for people living with hidradenitis suppurativa and their loved ones, more than 46,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who know what it’s like to live with HS.

Have you tried Head & Shoulders for HS? Did it help? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.