Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksPurposesTypesBenefitsSide Effects
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Works
Purposes
Types
Benefits
Side Effects
This article explains how ketoconazole shampoo works, its uses, types, benefits, and risks.
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How Ketoconazole Shampoo Works
Ketoconazole is in a class of antifungals calledimidazoles. In addition to antifungal activity, researchers found that imidazoles have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti=tumor activities.
What Is Ketoconazole Shampoo Used For?
Ketoconazole shampoo is primarily used to control dandruff, a skin condition that results in ared, flaky scalp. Dandruff is considered the mildest form of seborrheic dermatitis. More severe seborrheic dermatitis results in inflammation and skin discoloration.
Untreated dandruff can sometimes result in secondary bacterial or fungal infections, so keeping it under control is important.
In addition to treating dandruff, people also use ketoconazole shampoo for a few conditions.
Scalp Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system tells skin cells to grow too quickly. It causes skin cells to pile up, resulting in red patches, flaking, and dryness. About half of the people with psoriasis experiencescalp psoriasis.Medicated shampoos, including ketoconazole, are a first-line treatment for scalp psoriasis.
Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection resulting from an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. These yeasts typically live on the outer layer of skin and the hair shaft, which is why they may occur on the scalp. Ketoconazole shampoo is atopical antifungalused when it appears on the scalp.
Tinea Corporis (Ringworm)
Tinea corporis(ringworm) is a fungal skin infection that forms a ring-like rash. When it occurs on the scalp, ketoconazole shampoo can treat it.
Hair Loss
While ketoconazole shampoo is not intended forhair loss, some people use it to try to regrow hair. Little evidence supports this use, but some smaller studies have found that ketoconazole may help regrow hair.
The 8 Best Shampoos for Psoriasis to Calm Your Scalp
Types of Ketoconazole Shampoo
OTC Ketoconazole Shampoo
OTC ketoconazole shampoos usually contain 1% ketoconazole. The most common brand is Nizoral. To use OTC shampoos, follow these steps:
Make sure the skin on your scalp is not cracked before you use the shampoo, as it could lead to irritation. OTC shampoo is usually applied every three or four days for up to eight weeks, then as needed.
Prescription Ketoconazole Shampoo
Shampoos with 2% ketoconazole usually require a prescription from a healthcare provider. To use prescription shampoos, follow these steps:
A prescription shampoo is usually just applied one time to treat the infection. But you should follow the instructions of a healthcare provider exactly.
These medicated shampoos are intended only for the skin. Avoid getting them in your eyes or mouth, and rinse thoroughly if they go into your eyes while shampooing.
What Are the Benefits of Ketoconazole Shampoo?
Ketoconazole shampoo benefits include the following:
Shampoos make it easier to apply medication to your scalp. In that way, ketoconazole shampoo is practical and user-friendly. In addition, it is an effective method to control dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.
What Are the Side Effects of Ketoconazole Shampoo?
Ketoconazole shampoo comes with some risks and side effects. Since this is a medicated shampoo, discussing its use with a healthcare provider first is essential. Tell them about your symptoms, other medications you use, and health conditions that you have.
Side effects may include:
Less commonly, severe reactions may occur. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop a rash,hives, skin irritation, or trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms could indicate a severe allergic reaction calledanaphylaxis.
Summary
Ketoconazole shampoo is a medicated antifungal shampoo primarily used to treat dandruff. It is also used to treat some fungal infections of the scalp, particularly tinea versicolor, and ringworm. Some people also use it for scalp psoriasis.
Ketoconazole comes in 1% OTC strength and 2% prescription strength. It is an effective management strategy for dandruff, but there are some potential risks and side effects, including scalp irritation and a change in hair texture. Consult a healthcare provider before trying ketoconazole shampoo.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Ketoconazole.Serdaliyeva D, Nurgozhin T, Satbayeva E, Khayitova M, Seitaliyeva A, Ananyeva L.Review of pharmacological effects of imidazole derivatives.J CLIN MED KAZ. 2022;19(3):11-5. doi:10.23950/jcmk/12117NHS.Ketoconazole.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: Overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: Causes.American Academy of Dermatology.Tinea versicolor.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment for ringworm.El-Garf, A., Mohie, M. & Salah, E.Trichogenic effect of topical ketoconazole versus minoxidil 2% in female pattern hair loss: a clinical and trichoscopic evaluation.Biomed Dermatol3, 8 (2019). doi:10.1186/s41702-019-0046-yMedlinePlus.Ketoconazole topical.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Ketoconazole.Serdaliyeva D, Nurgozhin T, Satbayeva E, Khayitova M, Seitaliyeva A, Ananyeva L.Review of pharmacological effects of imidazole derivatives.J CLIN MED KAZ. 2022;19(3):11-5. doi:10.23950/jcmk/12117NHS.Ketoconazole.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: Overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: Causes.American Academy of Dermatology.Tinea versicolor.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment for ringworm.El-Garf, A., Mohie, M. & Salah, E.Trichogenic effect of topical ketoconazole versus minoxidil 2% in female pattern hair loss: a clinical and trichoscopic evaluation.Biomed Dermatol3, 8 (2019). doi:10.1186/s41702-019-0046-yMedlinePlus.Ketoconazole topical.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Ketoconazole.Serdaliyeva D, Nurgozhin T, Satbayeva E, Khayitova M, Seitaliyeva A, Ananyeva L.Review of pharmacological effects of imidazole derivatives.J CLIN MED KAZ. 2022;19(3):11-5. doi:10.23950/jcmk/12117NHS.Ketoconazole.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: Overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: Causes.American Academy of Dermatology.Tinea versicolor.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment for ringworm.El-Garf, A., Mohie, M. & Salah, E.Trichogenic effect of topical ketoconazole versus minoxidil 2% in female pattern hair loss: a clinical and trichoscopic evaluation.Biomed Dermatol3, 8 (2019). doi:10.1186/s41702-019-0046-yMedlinePlus.Ketoconazole topical.
MedlinePlus.Ketoconazole.
Serdaliyeva D, Nurgozhin T, Satbayeva E, Khayitova M, Seitaliyeva A, Ananyeva L.Review of pharmacological effects of imidazole derivatives.J CLIN MED KAZ. 2022;19(3):11-5. doi:10.23950/jcmk/12117
NHS.Ketoconazole.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: Overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: Causes.
American Academy of Dermatology.Tinea versicolor.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment for ringworm.
El-Garf, A., Mohie, M. & Salah, E.Trichogenic effect of topical ketoconazole versus minoxidil 2% in female pattern hair loss: a clinical and trichoscopic evaluation.Biomed Dermatol3, 8 (2019). doi:10.1186/s41702-019-0046-y
MedlinePlus.Ketoconazole topical.
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