Understandably, people feel uncomfortable when they are suffering from dandruff and fungal infections. It is not a pleasant experience and can also lead to feelings of embarrassment in public. However, ketoconazole shampoo is a great solution to your itchy scalp.
What Is Ketoconazole Shampoo?
A reddish-orange liquid, ketoconazole shampoo, is used to treat fungal infections on the scalp. Its primary ingredient is Ketoconazole, a synthetic antifungal agent. It is used to treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and tinea versicolor. You can find it in different prescription strengths as well as over-the-counter.
Types of Ketoconazole Shampoo
Your doctor will either prescribe you an OTC or prescription shampoo based on your condition. OTC shampoos have approximately 1 per cent ketoconazole. The most common OTC shampoo brand is Nizoral. Prescription shampoos have around 2 per cent or more Ketoconazole. Examples of prescription shampoos include Ketozal, Ketozolin, and Ket Med.
Ketoconazole Shampoo Uses
There are a great many ketoconazole shampoo uses besides dandruff. They are as follows:
1. Psoriasis
Ketoconazole is often used to treat an inflammatory skin disease called psoriasis. Ketoconazole is used to treat its symptoms of flaky skin, redness, and skin plaques.
2. Tinea Infections
Tinea infections are called by a superficial ringworm-like fungus called tinea capitis. Tinea versicolor is an infection that happens due to the overgrowth of a type of yeast naturally found on your skin.
3. Cutaneous Candidiasis
Cutaneous Candidiasis is a yeast infection of the skin. The yeast is a fungus that spreads on your skin. However, the antifungal properties of keto shampoo kill off the yeast and prevent it from growing further.
Ketoconazole Shampoo for Dandruff
Seborrheic dermatitis refers to an inflammatory disorder that causes greasy, scaly rashes on the scalp and within the folds of one’s skin. These rashes are terribly itchy. But if you scratch it, you may allow for flaking and dandruff to occur.
Dermatologists often prescribe ketoconazole shampoo for dandruff as it helps stop scaling, flaking, and itching associated with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. In fact, keto shampoo for dandruff is a common treatment method. You can find OTC Ketoconazole anti-dandruff shampoo at your local chemist.
Ketoconazole Shampoo for Hair Loss
There is proof that Ketoconazole can improve hair growth, making it a viable hair loss treatment option. Moreover, ketoconazole shampoo hair loss is very easy to apply. After all, you need to apply it and wash it off in the shower a few times a week. Several studies have demonstrated the efficiency of ketoconazole shampoo in slowing the effects of male pattern baldness and stimulating hair growth.
Particularly, one study compared Ketoconazole and minoxidil, a hair loss medication, to observe which one had the best effects on hair growth. It was found that the 2% ketoconazole shampoo helped to increase the size and proportion of anagen hair follicles at quite a similar pace to minoxidil. Another 2019 study was able to discover the link between Ketoconazole and treating pattern hair loss in women.
A lot more research is required in this domain of Ketoconazole as a definitive hair loss solution. However, the studies undertaken so far prove that Ketoconazole has the potential to be a treatment for different types of hair loss.
Who Can Use Ketoconazole Shampoo?
People who are suffering from fungal infections such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and stubborn dandruff can use keto shampoo.
While the shampoo is safe to use topically, you will have to keep an eye out for your skin condition. Some people contact dermatitis on the use of ketoconazole shampoo. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, it is best to check with your doctor before using Ketoconazole. There are a few ketoconazole shampoo side effects one must look out for.
How to Use Ketoconazole Shampoo?
You must follow the instructions on the label or the instructions provided by your doctor. Generally speaking, the instructions are as follows:
- Apply the shampoo to your hair and work up a lather
- Ensure the shampoo is directly on your scalp
- Leave it on for 5 minutes and then rinse
For those over the age of 12 years, this shampoo should be applied to the scalp every 3-4 days for approximately 8 weeks. After that time, you only need to use shampoo to control dandruff.
Nizoral Shampoo
Nizoral Shampoo Uses
An OTC keto shampoo, Nizoral shampoo can be used to treat dandruff. Nizoral is part of the medication group of antifungals. It can treat fungal infections of the skin such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch. The anti-dandruff shampoo Nizoral can help to prevent dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. The ingredient ketoconazole prevents fungus from making cell walls, thereby stopping their growth.
Nizoral Shampoo Side Effects
Most side effects from Nizoral can easily be managed. They tend to go away by themselves. However, if they are severe or worrying, get it checked by your doctor. The most common side effects of Nizoral shampoo are:
- Rash
- Hives
- Mild skin itching or irritation
- Dry skin
- Headache
- Abnormal hair texture
- Oiliness and dryness of hair and scalp
- Application site reactions
- Scalp pustules
Nizoral Shampoo Ingredients
Nizoral for topical application is a red-orange shampoo. It contains the following ingredients:
1. Broad-spectrum synthetic antifungal agent ketoconazole (2% concentration)
2. Coconut fatty acid diethanolamide
3. Disodium monolauryl ether sulfosuccinate
4. F.D.& C. Red No. 40
5. Hydrochloric acid
6. Imidurea
7. Laurdimonium hydrolyzed animal collagen
8. Macrogol 120 methyl glucose dioleate
9. Perfume bouquet
10. Sodium chloride
11. Sodium hydroxide
12. Sodium lauryl ether sulphate
13. Purified water
Nizoral Shampoo Price
The ketoconazole shampoo price depends on where you buy it from. Most pharmacies or online stores sell it for between 200/- to 400/-. If you import the shampoo, it will cost around 1000/- to 3000/-.
How Is Be Bodywise Ketoconazole Shampoo Different From Nizoral Shampoo
The Be Bodywise Ketoconazole Shampoo is a paraben-free and medicated antifungal shampoo that treats dandruff. The Be Bodywise Keto Shampoo sets itself apart from Nizoral as it has been specifically co-curated by doctors to help you fight off annoying dandruff while hydrating your hair and scalp. The Be Bodywise Keto Shampoo is enriched with aloe vera and vitamin B5 ingredients to nourish your hair fully.
Climbazole Vs Ketoconazole
Compared to Ketoconazole, climbazole has a high in-vitro and in-vivo efficacy against Malassezia spp that affects the pathogenesis of dandruff. However, it bears many similarities to Ketoconazole in terms of chemical structure and properties. Both antifungals happen to be effective against seborrheic dermatitis.
Ketoconazole Shampoo Side Effects
There are some negative side effects of Ketoconazole that you must know before using it.
- The most common side effect is skin irritation. It may result in pimple-like bumps on your skin.
- It may also result in the oiliness or dryness of the hair or scalp for some people.
- Other less common side effects include abnormal hair texture or discolouration.
- In some cases, it might lead to permed hair losing its curl.
- In rare cases, ketoconazole shampoo may cause hair loss. If you notice this, speak to your doctor immediately.
When to See a Doctor
If you see any signs of an allergic reaction, it is time to see your doctor. Allergic reactions to ketoconazole shampoo are rare but should be given attention to. If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical assistance:
- rash
- severe itching
- dizziness
- swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- difficulty breathing
Summing Up on Ketoconazole Shampoo
All in all, nothing is embarrassing about fungal infections, dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis. If you do experience such conditions, a quick visit to the dermatologist will help you. They will be able to correctly identify the cause of your woes and prescribe you the appropriate measures to be taken. Ketoconazole is a popular antifungal treatment. You need not worry if your doctor prescribes it to you.
FAQs
Is Ketoconazole Shampoo Safe?
This 2019 research highlights that Ketoconazole can be used safely topically. However, people should only use it for its intended purpose only. Some people may develop dermatitis with overuse.
Does Ketoconazole Shampoo Cause Grey Hair?
No, there is no data to link greying hair with the use of ketoconazole shampoo. However, if you are still worried, speak to your doctor for alternative medication.
Does Ketoconazole Shampoo Cause Hair Loss?
Ideally, ketoconazole shampoo does not cause hair loss. You must use Ketoconazole exactly as directed by your doctor. Misuse of the shampoo can lead to side effects, such as some temporary hair loss.
Is Ketoconazole Shampoo a Steroid?
No, Ketoconazole and its variants are not steroids. They come under the group of medications called antifungals. You will find it in cream, gel, or shampoo varieties.
Can I Use Ketoconazole Shampoo Daily?
You must use it exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Do not use extra, do not use it more often, do not use it longer than directed by your doctor. Overuse can lead to skin irritation or other side effects.
Can I Colour My Hair While Using Ketoconazole Shampoo?
Yes, you can use Ketoconazole and its variants on colour-treated hair, grey hair, or chemically processed hair.
Can Ketoconazole Shampoo Make Hair Loss Worse?
There is no definitive proof. Some believe that Ketoconazole affects DHT, a hormone responsible for hair loss experienced by men. However, others believe Ketoconazole can be a useful addition for treating hair loss.
References
- G Cauwenbergh, G E Piérard, 1998; Ketoconazole shampoo: effect of long-term use in androgenic alopecia - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9669136/
- Ahmed El-Garf, Mohamed Mohie, December 2019; Trichogenic effect of topical ketoconazole versus minoxidil 2% in female pattern hair loss: a clinical and trichoscopic evaluation - https://biomeddermatol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41702-019-0046-y
- Franchesca D. Choi, November 2018; Topical ketoconazole: a systematic review of current dermatological applications and future developments - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09546634.2019.1573309?journalCode=ijdt20
- Martin Glatz, Philipp P. Bosshard, May 2015; The Role of Malassezia spp. in Atopic Dermatitis - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4484996/
