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Email a friendSmear Laxative On Face To Fight Flakes
Newspaper Columns, Pharmacy Q&A October 1, 2007
Q. A friend who is an internist recommended a mixture of milk of magnesia (MoM) and Lotrimin AF to combat seborrheic dermatitis on my face and the backs of my ears. She suggested mixing roughly half a 12-oz bottle of MoM with a whole tube of the Lotrimin AF cream. The first application certainly had a positive effect on my skin. I did not follow through as I should have, so I don’t know how well it works long term. Have you ever heard of this remedy?
A. We could find no research on this intriguing remedy for seborrheic dermatitis. This skin condition is characterized by itching, flaking, scales and redness. It frequently occurs on the scalp as super dandruff or even on the eyebrows, forehead, around the nose or on the chin. It appears to be an inflammatory response to yeast on the skin called Malassezia.
Dermatologists frequently treat this problem with anti-fungal creams (such as clotrimazole, the active ingredient in Lotrimin AF). Topical steroid creams such as hydrocortisone are also used. Dandruff shampoos containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione can be helpful.
Readers claim that applying milk of magnesia to the armpits is a gentle and effective way to reduce sweating and odor. Perhaps the drying effect and alkalinity of MoM together with the antifungal activity of Lotrimin AF discourage Malassezia yeast.
Tags: Hydrocortisone, Laxative, Lotrimin, Milk of Magnesia, Seborrheic Dermatitis
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
© 2007 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Reader Comments
I've been using MoM for almost a year as a deodorant--a truly "gentle and effective way to reduce sweating and odor." But be prepared for folks to think you are stone crazy. It works.
Posted by: jas | October 5, 2007 8:50 AM
I looked at the Lotrimin and other comparable medications and the labels on all of them said "Do not use on the scalp." Consequently I did not buy the product or give this solution a try.
Posted by: Sherman Robinson | October 5, 2007 11:43 AM
I began applying Lotrimin AF with MoM (milk of magnesia) about three weeks ago for my seborrheic dermatitis. I already note a marked improvement on my face. I will continue to use this combination and wish to thank you for bringing it to my attention
Posted by: W. Dozier | October 29, 2007 8:39 PM
I have been using Milk of Magnesia on my face for the past 2 months and my face flakes are gone!!! I only use MoM.
Pour it in my hand and massage it on my face - forehead, eyebrows, around the eyes, nose, cheeks and chin -while showering, rinse it off as an end-up to the shower. End of problem.
A great, cost effective alternative to expensive nizoral. And works better, too.
Posted by: C.W. | November 26, 2007 3:08 PM
My face looked like a dry glazed donut for 8 years - until I read you column about using milk of magnesia on the face and scalp. My dermatalogist was treating the scalp and I got nowhere. Both problems disappeared after one application.
Posted by: Nancy Watson | January 7, 2008 2:18 PM
I read recently in Peoples Pharmacy column that someone had used MOM on their scalp for dermatitis with success. Do you know how it is used... before or after shampooing??? Wet first or what. I offer hope to all by saying my problem has gotten sooo much better with age. Thanks for any answer you can give me.
Posted by: JD | February 1, 2008 11:12 AM
Some claim to have used MOM on their scalp for excessive flaking with success. How exactly is it to be used? Can someone please provide an answer??!!!! My Dad has a lot of flakes on the side of his face and his scalp. Soap and water isn't enough and dandruff shampoos don't work either.
Posted by: Sandra | February 22, 2008 1:02 PM
I have been unable to find any article on seborrheic keratosis. Only for sebrrheic dermatitis. Do you know of any remedies or help for this condition? Most old folks have these "barnacles". Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by: C McKenzie | February 23, 2008 7:10 PM
I'm interested in a treatment for seborrheic keratosis, too. Cryotherapy is painful, expensive, and leaves white spots in place of brown ones. A dermatologist recommended applying castor oil, but if it works, it does so at a glacial pace. After 8 months I see only minimal improvement. At least I haven't developed more of these "barnacles of aging" which is certainly an improvement of sorts. I'm 60; does anyone know of a treatment that might give results in my lifetime?
Posted by: A. Watson | May 16, 2008 8:51 AM
I started developing sebohheic keratosis while in my late 50's. I too am looking for a way to get rid of the growths as I don't have health insurance and removal by a physician is very expensive. Thank you.
Posted by: mw | July 30, 2008 7:48 PM
I have an allergy to all deodorants including non aliminium ones. Have tried everything. Recently tried dabbing armpits with milk of magnesia and it causes no irritation and prevents odour for the whole day. Absolutely fantastic. Strange but true!!
Posted by: jim c. | August 19, 2008 11:35 AM
I have used milk of magnesia as a deodorant for many years, It is very popular in Ecuador where I am from. Many people have been using it there without any kind of problems.
Posted by: rg | October 1, 2008 12:02 AM