There was a time when soaps where used on hair too as a cleanser apart from its use as a body cleaner. But soaps usually leave a thin film on hair thus leading to uncomfortableness, irritation, and dried out or damaged hair. This is when Shampoos came into use. Shampoo thus became the hair care product for removing oils, dirt, skin particles, dandruff, environmental pollutants and other contaminant particles that gradually build up in hair. It removes the unwanted build-up without stripping out so much sebum as to make hair unmanageable.
Antibacterial shampoo contains chemicals that kill bacteria. Unlike an antibacterial soap, an antibacterial shampoo is specially designed to be used on human hair. Though the medicinal properties are aimed at the skin, the cleansing properties of the shampoo are designed to work on the hair. Antibacterial shampoo is often used to help treat acne on the scalp. Normal acne soaps are made to be used on the skin and not hair. When used on head it may damage the person’s hair. A specially formulated acne shampoo is safe to use when trying to clear the scalp of acne. These shampoos contain one or more antibiotic agents, such as methylchloroisothiazolinone or salicylic acid which helps to kill bacteria that could enter the pores and form pimples.
It is also possible for humans to use an antibacterial shampoo to help treat staph infections- a type of infection caused by parasitic bacteria that can appear on the scalp. In most cases, infections such as these should be treated with an oral antibiotic as well as a topical antibacterial shampoo. Any skin infection should be examined by a doctor who can determine the best type of antibiotic to use to fight the infection.
For many men, scalp acne and oily scalp is a real problem, especially around the hairline and at the back of the head. In summer months, the scalp tends to become oilier and leads to the breakouts of acne in many people. Anti bacterial shampoos and conditioners helps in removing dirt and oil from the hair and scalp while leaving the hair manageable. Such shampoo generally creates good lather, and has a pleasant fragrance. The conditioner usually has only light moisturizing properties and is thus better suited for those with oily scalps and it rinses away cleanly without weighing the hair down.
Antibacterials are regulated according to their intended use and effectiveness. The US Food and Drug Administration regulate antibacterial shampoos or soaps and antibacterial substances that will either be used on the body or in processed food.
