BEST PEOPLE PHARMACY: In one article you suggested that Listerine might be useful for scalp psoriasis/eczema. I have been suffering from red plaques for several years, so that article intrigued me.
After a week of use, the flaking stopped. It’s been three weeks now and I’m still flake free. Before this, the back of my shirt was usually covered in flakes that my wife had to constantly brush away. She says the plaques on my scalp look less red.
The article suggested a solution after six months of use. So far I have tried everything except steroids but to no avail. I find this result interesting. It could be a placebo reaction. To find out, I will follow it up as objectively as possible.
A. Long ago, the maker of Listerine advertised its product for “contagious dandruff.” Subsequently, dermatologists rejected the idea that dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis could be caused by a pathogen. The Food and Drug Administration frowned upon advertising a mouthwash for flaky scalp.
More recently, however, research has shown that an imbalance of microbes on the skin contributes to itchy, flaky scalp problems (Biophysics Reviews, March 13, 2023). Changes in the distribution of fungi also play a role in eczema (Journal of Fungi, October 31, 2022).
Because the ingredients in Listerine (thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate) inhibit the growth of fungi and other potential pathogens, you may find it helpful to apply this old-fashioned amber mouthwash to the scalp.
You are not the only one who notices a benefit. Another reader wrote: “I have suffered from scalp psoriasis for years. My aunt told me to use amber Listerine after washing my hair. I haven’t had an outbreak of scalp psoriasis since!”
We wish we could provide evidence from clinical trials, but a search of the medical literature turned up nothing. Let us know how you’re doing in six months as other readers will be interested.
Q. I recently read that treating hypothyroidism with levothyroxine has been linked to osteoporosis, even when the dose is just right. Years ago I switched from Synthroid to Armor Thyroid. How Does Armor Compare to Levothyroxine Regarding Osteoporosis?
A. Doctors have known for decades that too much thyroid hormone can increase the risk of osteoporosis. However, they assumed that if the levothyroxine dose was in the right place and thyroid values were normal, there would be no problem.
The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging revealed a different story. Older people taking levothyroxine lost bone mass, even if their thyroid levels were normal. To our knowledge, no one has examined desiccated thyroid extract (Armour) to find out if it has a different effect.
You can learn more about treating both hypo- and hyperthyroidism in our ‘eGuide to Thyroid Hormones’. This online resource can be found under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
People who have had thyroid disease should have their bone density checked. If there is evidence of bone loss, strength training may be helpful. One reader shared her experience: “I have been using Synthroid for over 40 years. My doctor always checked my bone density, along with my vitamin D and calcium, and everything was great. At age 71, my last bone density test showed no bone loss. My job required heavy lifting and walking. I wonder if this has helped keep my bones strong.”
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In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them at King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their latest book is ‘Top Mistakes Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them’.
(c) 2024 King Features Syndicate, Inc.