ask your pharmacist

Are there over-the-counter treatments for sunspots?

Over-the-counter dandruff shampoos containing 1 percent selenium sulfide often will cure sunspots caused by fungal infections. You apply a bit of the shampoo to the affected area before bedtime, even areas other than the scalp. Leave it on overnight and wash it off in the morning. Treatment usually takes three to four days. If you have sensitive skin or if the shampoo irritates your skin with overnight use, try washing it off after 20 minutes to one hour. Note that even if treatment kills the fungus, your skin may not look normal again in color for many months.

If a selenium shampoo doesn’t help, consider using Nizoral A-D, a popular antidandruff shampoo that contains ketoconazole, an antifungal drug. Once available only by prescription, this shampoo is now available over the counter as Nizoral A-D 1%. You can also try over-the-counter antifungal creams containing clotrimazole (brand names Lotrimin AF and Mycelex) for these infections. They’re usually applied twice a day .

Skin-bleaching products can lighten the dark sunspots caused by excessive sun exposure. They contain the drug hydroquinone in 1.5 percent to 2 percent concentrations. Some products also include sunscreens and moisturizers. Check with your doctor before choosing any over-the-counter treatment for your skin condition.

For both types of sunspots, be sure to use a sunscreen, and choose one with an SPF of 15 or higher.

References: Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.Drug Facts and Comparisons, Facts and Comparisons, 1999.Murray, M., J. Pizzorno. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Prima Communications, Inc., 1998.

This answer prepared 7/27/99.

To learn more, please go to:

• Tinea versicolor
• >Selenium shampoos
• >Nizoral A-D shampoo
• Antifungal creams
• Sunscreens