Ciclopirox olamine is an active ingredient commonly used to treat infections of the skin and scalp. Some also credit it with the ability to act against eczema. But what is the reality? Find out in this article whether ciclopirox olamine is truly effective in cases of eczema.
Eczema: can ciclopirox olamine combat this dermatosis?
Published on July 28, 2025, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 6 min of reading
Themes:
Using ciclopirox for eczema: a good or bad idea?
The eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by redness, skin dryness and sometimes intense itching. Although it is classically associated with skin barrier impairment, immune hyperreactivity and environmental factors, several recent studies have emphasised the central role of the skin microbiota in its pathophysiology. The proliferation of certain microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, which secretes antigens capable of activating T lymphocytes, could indeed exacerbate or sustain skin inflammation. Other lipophilic microorganisms, such as yeasts of the genus Malassezia, which naturally inhabit seborrhoeic areas, are also suspected of inducing IgE-mediated and T lymphocyte immune responses.
Eczema does not result solely from a compromised skin barrier: an imbalance of the microbiota may also contribute, which explains the interest in certain antifungal and antibacterial molecules, such as ciclopirox olamine.
Often found in anti-dandruff shampoos or in creams for fungal infections, ciclopirox olamine is an active ingredient with antifungal, antibacterial and also anti-inflammatory properties. Its mode of action is based on the chelation of metal cations, notably iron and aluminium, metals essential to the enzymatic activity of micro-organisms. Moreover, studies have shown that ciclopirox olamine can inhibit the activation of certain pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase, thereby preventing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α.
The ciclopirox olamine could therefore be particularly relevant against eczema. A randomised, double-blind study in 50 individuals with eczema assessed the efficacy of a 1% ciclopirox olamine cream, compared with the same formulation without the active ingredient. Participants applied one or the other treatment daily for 28 days. Efficacy was measured using the EASI index, which evaluates the extent of eczema, and a pruritus score was assigned. The results showed a more marked improvement of eczema in the ciclopirox olamine group, notably between days 21 and 28, with a statistically significant difference compared to the placebo group. However, this improvement appears transient : after discontinuing treatment, IGA scores deteriorated, suggesting a possible resurgence of inflammation once the antifungal application was halted. Moreover, no significant difference was observed for pruritus.
| Assessed score | Placebo group | Ciclopirox olamine group |
|---|---|---|
| EASI | - 98.81 | - 128.22 |
| Pruritus | - 1.08 | - 1.00 |
Assessment of the effects of ciclopirox olamine on eczema.
Source: MAYSER P. et al. Treatment of head and neck dermatitis with ciclopirox olamine cream – Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (2006).
At present, this study is the only one to have evaluated the effects of ciclopirox olamine against eczema. Further studies are still required to confirm its efficacy.
Moreover, some individuals report side effects associated with the use of ciclopirox olamine, notably contact eczema-like reactions, which calls into question its suitability for sensitive or atopic skin. A retrospective study involving 613 participants with dermatophytosis evaluated its efficacy and tolerability. Volunteers applied a 1% ciclopirox olamine cream twice daily for six weeks. Although favourable clinical outcomes were observed, 5.7% of participants reported adverse effects, primarily erythema, accompanied by skin dryness and pruritus. Thus, while ciclopirox olamine may be of interest in cases of eczema, it cannot be ruled out that it could trigger a flare-up.
If you suffer from eczema, we recommend that you consult a dermatologist to receive a treatment tailored to your situation and refrain from self-medication.
Sources
MAYSER P. & al. Treatment of head and neck dermatitis with ciclopiroxolamine cream – Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (2006).
BARKATE H. & al. Effectiveness and safety of ciclopirox olamine in patients with dermatophytosis: A retrospective cohort analysis. International Journal of Research in Dermatology (2021).
BUDZISZ E. & al. Ciclopirox and ciclopirox olamine: Antifungal agents in dermatology with expanding therapeutic potential. Applied Sciences (2024).
SILVERBERG J. I. & al. Lack of evidence for the efficacy of antifungal medications to treat atopic dermatitis: A systematic review. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2024).
