The reddish-orange liquid known as ketoconazole shampoo can be used to treat scalp fungal infections. It contains ketoconazole, which is a synthetic antifungal drug.
Ketoconazole, in the form of a 2% solution, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and tinea versicolor, a noncontagious fungal infection of the skin.
It is available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription strengths.
If a person suspects they have a fungal infection, they should see a doctor. They should see a doctor for more information on how to treat their disease effectively.
Uses
This is a controlled slang term for a controlled substance. Dandruff causes flaking, scaling, and itching, but this medicine may help alleviate some of those symptoms. Ketoconazole is an azole antifungal that acts by blocking the growth of fungus. Pityriasis (tinea versicolor), a skin disorder caused by a fungal infection, is treated with ketoconazole 2% shampoo. This condition can cause the skin on the face, neck, chest, arms, and legs to become abnormally light or dark.
How to use ketoconazole topical
Wet hair and scalp entirely, to state the obvious. Make sure there’s enough lather from the shampoo to get the scalp and hair clean. Apply little pressure all over the scalp. Use warm water to wash your hair. If your doctor tells you to do it again, go through the steps again. After you’re done washing, you should pat your hair dry.
Apply the shampoo, work up a good lather, and then thoroughly rinse if you’re using the 1% strength available at the drugstore. This should be done again. After the second wash, you should dry your hair completely.
The shampoo can be applied to the afflicted area and the surrounding healthy skin by wetting the area first. Apply the soap, let it sit for five minutes, and then wash it off.
Dosage, number of applications, and length of therapy depend on the strength of the shampoo (2% or 1%) and the problem being treated. Pay close attention to the directions given to you by your doctor or the manufacturer.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes. Rinse your eyes carefully with water if any shampoo goes in them.
- If your scalp or skin is already damaged or inflamed, you shouldn’t start using the shampoo.
- Inform your doctor if your issue lasts after 2-4 weeks of treatment or gets worse at any point.
A Variety of Ketoconazole-Based Shampoos
Ketoconazole shampoos come in a variety of over-the-counter and prescription formulations.
The concentration of ketoconazole in over-the-counter shampoos is less than 1%. Nizoral is the best-known OTC brand, and you can find it in most grocery stores and on the internet.
Ketoconazole shampoos with a concentration of 2% or more are available by prescription only. Brands accessible by prescription include:
- Ketozal
- Ketozolin
- Ket Med
Risks and side effects
You should know about the potential dangers of ketoconazole before using it. Pimple-like lumps on the skin at the site of application are a common adverse reaction. Additionally, it may lead to an oily or dry scalp, an irregular hair texture, or a change in hair colour in some people. It can also make curly, permed hair straight. If you use ketoconazole shampoo and have hair loss, you should consult your doctor immediately
Side effects
According to the FDA, some reported side effects include:
- odd color and feel of the hair
- itching
- burning sensation
- hives
- hypersensitivity
- dry skin
- alopecia
- swelling
- rash
- irritated skin
If a person experiences a severe allergic reaction, which is called anaphylaxis, they should seek emergency medical help.
The symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- wheezing
- passing out
- tight chest
- hoarse voice
- hives
- diarrhea
- difficulty swallowing
- a feeling of impending doom
Benefits of Ketoconazole Shampoo
Antifungal ketoconazole shampoo is available. Used to cure yeast or fungus infections on the skin. You can use this medicated shampoo like you would use a regular shampoo by kneading it into your skin. Follow the package for guidelines on how long you should let the product set before rinsing it off.
In conclusion
Always follow your doctor’s instructions when using ketoconazole shampoo. If the shampoo is effective for your problem, you should start to see improvements within two to four weeks of starting treatment. After a month, if you haven’t noticed any progress, it’s time to talk to your doctor about switching things up.
There are various shampoos you can try if ketoconazole doesn’t help your skin issue. Additional medications, such as oral antifungals, may be necessary to address your general condition or a systemic infection.
You can also check out some other medicated shampoos on the market. Thesis, antithesis, and synthesis.
- Products marketed as “salicylic acid shampoos”
- Shampoos are made with coal tar
- tea tree oil (which you may incorporate into any shampoo).
- Zinc Pyrithione Sham
