MediQuick H GOLD: Direct Applicator or Sponge, and How It Differs from Shampoo

Two boxes say MediQuick H GOLD: a 30 mL bottle with a narrow applicator and a 50 mL bottle with a sponge head. They have the same active ingredients at the same concentrations. The practical choice is how to reach the affected scalp. First check whether self-treatment is appropriate, then choose the applicator.

Information checked: 12 October 2026. This guide covers the Japanese-market products.

I’m Irene, a Taiwan-born, Japan-licensed pharmacist working in a Japanese drugstore. Hair can make it difficult to see where the liquid is going. Let’s identify the two applicators and the small preparation step each one needs.

Check the scalp problem before choosing a bottle

Once short-term use is appropriate: consider the narrow 30 mL applicator for reaching a spot through dense hair, or the 50 mL sponge if you prefer a flat contact surface. Both have a cooling feel. The larger bottle is not a higher-concentration version.

Recognize the boxes and the applicators

GOLD 30 mL: a narrow tip for direct application

Japanese name: メンソレータム メディクイックHゴールド
JAN barcode: 4987241146352

Rohto calls this the ダイレクト容器, or direct applicator. Part the hair so the tip can contact the affected scalp. It is a contact applicator, not a spray to mist over the hair. The manufacturer highlights it for areas that are difficult to reach through thicker hair. Use the tip to deliver the medicine, not to scratch.

GOLD Sponge Head 50 mL: a flat surface that contacts the skin

Japanese name: メンソレータム メディクイックH ゴールド（スポンジヘッド）
JAN barcode: 4987241148400

Medicine passes through a sponge surface onto the affected skin. Choose this for its contact and handling style, after checking suitability. If a large part of your scalp is affected, the leaflet still calls for professional advice before use.

The bottle sizes differ, but all six active ingredients and their amounts per millilitre match. Check the full name, size and enclosed leaflet when buying. Individual shop stock has not been checked.

What is in both versions?

Each millilitre contains:

• Prednisolone valerate acetate (PVA) 1.5 mg and glycyrrhetinic acid 10 mg: anti-inflammatory ingredients. PVA is the corticosteroid; its Japanese name is プレドニゾロン吉草酸エステル酢酸エステル.
• Crotamiton 50 mg: for itch relief.
• Allantoin 2 mg: supports skin repair.
• Isopropyl methylphenol (IPMP) 1.5 mg: an antiseptic ingredient.
• l-Menthol 35 mg: provides a cooling sensation.

Both also contain ethanol. Tell the pharmacist if cooling products tend to irritate your skin or you have reacted to topical medicines before. Neither the sponge texture nor the cooling sensation measures how effective the medicine will be.

Rohto describes PVA as an “antedrug” steroid: it acts locally and becomes less active after absorption into the body. The restrictions on treatment area and duration still apply. Having an antiseptic ingredient also does not make GOLD suitable for ringworm or pus-producing lesions.

The Japanese leaflets list eczema, dermatitis, itching, contact dermatitis, hives, heat rash and insect bites. This list cannot diagnose a scalp problem, and hair loss is not a listed indication.

How often to apply it, and how to prepare each tip

For both versions, the directions are to apply an appropriate amount to the affected area several times a day, for external use only. The leaflets do not specify a number of drops or define this as a fixed morning-and-evening routine. Using a large amount at once will not improve the effect. As symptoms settle, reduce the frequency in line with Rohto’s guidance. Do not apply to symptom-free scalp.

Direct applicator: release the air with the tip pointing upward

1. Before use, point the container upward and press its tip with a finger to release the air inside.
2. Part the hair and bring the tip into contact with the affected scalp. Check that the liquid is reaching skin rather than just coating the hair.
3. Follow the appropriate-amount, several-times-daily directions, keeping the liquid away from the eyes.

Sponge head: let the medicine soak into the sponge first

1. Before use, press the sponge surface against the affected area several times to let the medicine soak thoroughly into it.
2. Use the wetted sponge to apply an appropriate amount to the affected skin. Those preparation presses are not a separate daily dose limit.
3. Make contact without repeatedly scrubbing, and keep the application to areas with symptoms.

See the illustrations on page 2 of the direct-applicator leaflet and sponge-head leaflet.

If medicine gets into an eye, rinse immediately with water or lukewarm water; see an eye doctor if symptoms are severe. Keep the scalp clean without excessive shampooing. Close the cap tightly and store in a cool place away from direct sunlight, children and fire. Keep the original container and observe the expiry date on the carton. The liquid can fade dyed hair and may mark or damage items such as glasses, jewellery, bedding, furniture, plastic and leather.

How are the shampoo and scalp lotion different?

• The two GOLD products: steroid medicines for eczema, dermatitis and other conditions covered by their labels.
• MediQuick H medicated scalp shampoo: a Japanese “quasi-drug” for routine cleansing and prevention of dandruff and itching.
• 頭皮しっとりローション, the moisturising scalp lotion: also a quasi-drug, intended to prevent dryness-related dandruff and itching.

These products have different purposes. Shampoo and lotion are not equivalent substitutes for GOLD treatment, and sharing a brand name is not a reason to add the whole range. If your scalp already has a rash or irritation, have the problem assessed and check each product’s precautions. Flakes alone cannot tell you whether you have a fungal infection or dry skin. Do not automatically add a steroid because a shampoo has not helped.

When to stop

If symptoms have not improved after 5–6 days, stop and take the leaflet to a doctor, pharmacist or registered medicine seller. This is a review point for lack of improvement, not a course you must finish or permission to start repeated courses. Difficult-to-treat or repeatedly returning symptoms need a doctor’s assessment.

Stop immediately and seek advice if use is followed by rash, redness, itching, contact dermatitis, dryness, irritation, heat or stinging. Fungal infection, acne, pus or persistent irritation at the treated site also calls for stopping and advice. Do not keep applying through significant stinging because you assume it is just the intended cooling effect.

Three questions before buying

Can children share the bottle?

Neither Japanese leaflet gives a specific minimum age, but both require children to use it under a parent or guardian’s guidance and supervision. That does not establish suitability for every child. Give the pharmacist the child’s actual age, symptoms, affected area and how long it has been present, especially before considering use on a baby or young child.

What about pregnancy, breastfeeding or another scalp medicine?

Pregnancy or possible pregnancy, and receiving medical treatment, are explicit reasons to consult before use. Neither leaflet provides a separate breastfeeding rule or a detailed list of medicine combinations. That does not confirm safety in every breastfeeding situation or with every product layered on the scalp. If breastfeeding or already using a scalp treatment, ask a pharmacist or doctor to check the product names and directions before adding GOLD.

Is this the same as MediQuick PRO cream or ointment?

This guide covers the H GOLD scalp liquid and its two applicators. If your shopping list says PRO, see the MediQuick PRO Ointment and Cream a guide. Do not switch products based on the shared MediQuick name alone.

At the shop: explain the scalp problem, your medicines and any pregnancy or breastfeeding considerations, then check H GOLD and the 30 mL direct or 50 mL sponge version. Suitability comes first; convenient application comes next.