Many people suffer from scalp issues like flaking, itchiness, dryness, and scaling. But while most times these symptoms are caused by dandruff (very common condition), other times the cause may be psoriasis, fungus infection, or dermatitis.
Ketoconazole shampoo is often prescribed and used for scalp issues, including dandruff, psoriasis, fungal infections, and dermatitis, and other.
However if you consider using ketoconazole shampoo, it’s important to know not only its potential benefits, but also its side effects, how to use it correctly, as well as other key information. Because after all, this is not your regular drugstore shampoo: it’s a medical one!
Let’s get started!
Benefits of ketoconazole shampoo
Maintenance medication. Topical ketoconazole shampoo has promising results when treating scalp dandruff, but also preventing recurrence of scalp dandruff. I often recommend that my patients use topical ketoconazole shampoo once weekly as maintenance to keep the yeast that typically causes scalp dandruff at bay.
Allergic reaction. Though a true contact allergic rash is rare to topical ketoconazole, it is important to notify your board-certified dermatologist if you develop a skin rash or burning sensation after ketoconazole application.
Evidence suggests that 2% ketoconazole shampoo (this concentration of shampoo should be prescribed by a dermatologist) may be beneficial for the treatment and prevention of the following scalp conditions [2] :
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Severe dandruff
- Fungal infections on scalp
Furthermore, according to MedlinePlus, this type of medical shampoos are mainly prescribed for the treatment of tinea versicolor (type of fungal infection on the scalp), but shampoos with lower concentrations of ketoconazole (over-the counter-shampoos) could also be used to control scaly, flaky and itchy scalp. [3]
And according to a 2019 review paper published in the Journal of Dermatologic Therapy, topical ketoconazole can be effective in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (a common hair loss condition starting from both temples- most commonly occurring in men). [4]
Can you buy ketoconazole shampoo without prescription?
That being said, higher concentrations of this ketoconazole can be prescribed by a healthcare provider or a board-certified dermatologist. Generally, this medical shampoo is prescribed only after the health specialist has evaluated your overall health condition and the current treatment/medication/supplements you take.
What are the side effects of ketoconazole shampoo?
As ketoconazole is a medicine, its topical application may be associated with various scalp side effects, including [5] :
- Irritation (itching, burning, stinging, rash, blistering, flaking)
- Hair loss
- Excess hair dryness or oiliness
- Abnormal hair texture (e.g., thinning hair)
- Headache
- Scalp pustules
- Discoloration of hair
How to use ketoconazole shampoo?
Knowing how to use ketoconazole shampoo correctly is essential in order to prevent any side effects.
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- Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly with water
- Apply the shampoo to (and around) the affected scalp area
- Lather the shampoo and leave it for 5 minutes
- Rinse your hair and scalp well with warm water
- Dry your hair
- Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly with water
- Apply enough shampoo for the whole head and lather it well by gently massaging it onto your scalp
- Rinse your hair and scalp well with warm water
- Repeat steps 2 and 3
- Dry your hair
Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider when using prescribed ketoconazole shampoo, or stick to the guidelines (printed on the label) of your OTC shampoo.
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