In treating fungal infections like athlete’s foot, thrush and ringworm, the first thing on our mind is ketoconazole cream. But what exactly is it? How does it work? Ketoconazole cream is perhaps the most common treatment for antifungal infections. Made from ketoconazole, a synthetic antifungal drug, it is often prescribed as topical cream, tablets, or shampoo.

Ketoconazole cream treats a range of yeast and fungal infections. It may also be used to address some forms of dermatitis. How does it work? kills the growth of fungus and prevents its growth. It weakens the cell membrane of fungi and interferes with its formation and accumulation. Topical ointments mostly contain 2% of the antifungal drug in aqueous form, also includes non-active ingredients like water, alcohol, and polysorbate.

Often, it is used to treat athlete’s foot known as tinea pedis. When certain areas of the feet, especially between the toes, are left moist, fungal infection most certainly develops causing itching and/or stinging and burning sensations. A similar infection in the groin area, known as jock’s itch, is also treated, Tinea veriscolor – fungal infections which creates brown spots on the back, arms, legs, neck or even chest – can also be treated by the antifungal cream.

Other uses include the treatment of ringworm, sun fungus, seborrheic dermatitis, and skin conditions which may have been exacerbated by fungal infections like diaper rash, eczema, psoriasis and impetigo. Ketoconazole cream helps relieve itching, reduce puffiness and redness, as well as remove discoloration resulting from the above-mentioned conditions.

How to Use ?

Ketoconazole cream is for external use only.

• Apply a thin coating of cream to cover the affected area as well as surrounding. You need to follow the instructions on the prescription label to get the most benefit.
• Wash your hands before and after use this cream.
• Complete the entire course prescribed by your medical doctor / prescriber even though you think your condition is better.
• Do not apply this cream in the eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina.

Precautions When Taking Ketoconazole Cream

Before using this cream, make sure your doctor knows about your condition. The cream is only available by prescription and it is best to consult with a physician prior to use. Ketoconazole cream may not be used in all forms of infection. It may also interact with other medical conditions including pregnancy, allergies towards sulfite, alcohol intake, liver disease and even low blood sugar levels.

Should be used away from the mouth or eyes, the ointment must only be applied on skin, and in the case of ketoconazole shampoo, on the scalp. Before applying cream, the affected area must be washed with soap and water, and dried thoroughly with a clean towel. Avoid contact with non-affected areas like the nose, mouth and eyes. Wash hands thoroughly unless they are part of the affected area. Any contact of the cream on non-affected areas should be washed immediately. Massage a small amount of cream on the affected area for the full course of the treatment and continue application even if infection has cleared away. This means treatment using ketoconazole cream may take up to two or even four weeks.

Possible Side Effects of Ketoconazole Cream

Ketoconazole may cause side effects like stinging, severe burning, or irritation when it’s applied first time. This should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. it’s best to contact your pharmacist or doctor if these effects persist.

Note : The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

If you are looking for an effective solution to your dandruff problem, than you can always use ketoconazole shampoo which helps to cure dandruff on the scalp. It helps to get rid of scaling, itching and flaking. These are all symptoms related to dandruff on the scalp. Moreover, the shampoo also helps to cure various other conditions, which develop as a result of the fungal infection on the scalp. A lot of people utilize this shampoo for getting rid of dandruff. It is used as prophylaxis as well. Generally, it should be used only once every week.

How Ketoconazole Shampoo Works?

Ketoconazole shampoo works by preventing the cells of the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol. The fungi need this chemical compound in order to live and multiply. If they do not get it they eventually die out. This powerful action is the reason why this topical treatment is effective for curing fungal infections affecting the scalp. You should expect excellent results. Your skin will stop flaking and you will not have the white and yellowish scales on your hair that make you feel embarrassed. Another good thing is that results tend to come relatively quickly with this topical treatment.

In order to get the beneficial effect from ketoconazole shampoo, all you need to do is to apply it after washing your hair and scalp with water. After this, cover your hair and scalp with the emulsion, and leave it over there for the next 3 to 5 minutes. Then you need to rinse your hair and scalp with lukewarm water. This treatment should produce very good results fairly quickly. Just keep in mind that it is not a magic potion that will make dandruff disappear overnight.

Possible Side Effects of Ketoconazole Shampoo

This shampoo is not known to cause serious side effects. It is generally safe to use provided that you do not suffer from any serious skin condition or other illnesses. Some users may experience itching, stinging and irritation of the scalp. The skin on the head may become dry while the hair gets oily. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
A research conducted recently has proven that ketoconazole shampoo really helps to cure rapid hair loss. The testing was done on mice, but the results are more than promising. More research is necessary to confirm the beneficial effect on the treatment on people suffering from androgenic alopecia.