Ciclopirox Olamine: Head to Foot

Ciclopirox is a hydroxylated pyridone, a unique substance in our tropical treatment armamentarium. It first came to market in Europe and has been in use for a number of years¹. Worldwide it is or has been available as a spray, vaginal cream, powder, solution, cream, lotion, gel, and nail lacquer. The latter four are available in the United States at the time of this article. Ciclopirox gel differs from other formulations. It contains ciclopirox as a free acid, as opposed to an olamine salt. Superficial fungal infections and seborrheic dermatitis are two of the most common disorders seen in dermatology and indeed in medicine in general; ciclopirox is active against both, and literally may be used head to foot.