You’ve probably heard of shampoos containing the active ingredient ketoconazole if you’ve looked into hair loss treatments.
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that has been approved by the FDA to treat a variety of fungal skin infections.
Ketoconazole has been linked to increased hair growth in studies, making it a viable hair loss treatment option. It is also simple to use because it only requires a quick shower wash a few times per week.
The sections that follow explain what ketoconazole is and how it works as a male pattern baldness treatment.
What is Ketoconazole Shampoo?
Ketoconazole shampoo is an antifungal dandruff shampoo that is used to treat scalp infections. It can be used to treat dandruff, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Ketoconazole shampoo is available over the counter (OTC) or with a doctor’s prescription.
Ketoconazole Shampoo Uses
1. Dandruff
A dry scalp causes some dandruff, while seborrheic dermatitis causes other types of dandruff. According to research, seborrheic dermatitis may be caused by a Malassezia overgrowth. Ketoconazole shampoo for dandruff can help treat seborrheic dermatitis due to its antifungal properties.
2. Hair loss
A keto shampoo for dandruff contains antifungal agents that can combat inflammation caused by androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. The shampoo acts as a scalp treatment by killing the yeast, reducing inflammation, and, consequently, hair loss. Ketoconazole has also been shown in clinical studies to increase the size of individual hair follicles, which aids in hair growth.
3. Psoriasis
Inflammatory skin disease is characterized by skin flaking, plaques, and redness. A yeast-like fungus frequently infects these skin plaques. Ketoconazole is a well-known psoriasis treatment. Prescription ketoconazole may be required for psoriasis flares.
4. Tinea infections
Tinea capitis is a ringworm-like scalp fungus infection. Tinea versicolor refers to skin infections caused by yeast overgrowth. Ketoconazole shampoo can also be used to treat tinea capitis and tinea versicolor.
Benefits of using ketoconazole shampoo
- The shampoo not only fights dandruff but has also been shown to reduce hair loss by stimulating hair growth.
- Because ketoconazole does not enter the bloodstream, its antifungal properties are limited to the scalp.
- The shampoo is sufficient to treat dandruff without the need for additional shampoo.
- The shampoo has a simple application mechanism; like regular shampoo, it only needs to be applied twice a week.
- The shampoo also treats the associated symptoms, such as itching, saving you from the embarrassment of itching and flaking of your scalp in public.
How to use ketoconazole shampoo
Use a ketoconazole shampoo according to your doctor’s instructions or the product label.
Wet your hair before applying the shampoo if you’re treating the scalp. Lather it up and massage it into your scalp before rinsing. After that, condition your ends, rinse, and dry your hair as usual.
Apply ketoconazole shampoo to the affected area for five minutes if you’re using it somewhere other than your scalp. Remove it completely with water and pat your skin dry.
A variety of factors will influence how frequently and for how long you use the shampoo. Keep in mind the strength, the condition you’re treating, and the severity of your symptoms when choosing a shampoo. Depending on these factors, your doctor may advise you to use it every other day or once a week.
Ketoconazole Shampoo Side Effects
The following side effects should be considered before using ketoconazole shampoo:
- Skin irritation
- Skin irritation
- Discoloration
- Permed hair to lose its curl as well
- Abnormal hair texture
Consult your doctor right away if you notice hair loss after using ketoconazole shampoo.
Although ketoconazole shampoo allergic reactions are uncommon, they should be taken seriously. If you experience any of the following allergic reaction symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention:
- severe itching
- Dizziness
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- rash
The shampoo strength, as well as the condition being treated, determine the dosage, number of applications, and treatment duration. Follow your doctor’s or the package’s directions to the letter.
Keep Ketoconazole shampoo away from your eyes. Do not use the shampoo if your scalp or skin is broken or swollen.
Over to You
It is important to use ketoconazole shampoo exactly as directed by your hair doctor – never more often or less often. Unless your doctor advises you otherwise, you should see results within two to four weeks of starting to use the shampoo. If you haven’t seen any improvement after a month, talk to your doctor about making a change.
If ketoconazole shampoo does not help your skin condition, you can try other options. Oral antifungals may also be prescribed to treat a more widespread infection or your overall condition.