Benefits of Ketoconazole Shampoo

Are you observing persistent dandruff or unusual dark patches on the scalp?Well, in such a case a Ketoconazole shampoo might be able to help you. 

No, it’s not a keto diet that would improve the condition of your hair. Ketoconazole shampoo is a medicated shampoo that is designed to treat itching and flaking issues. It can also remove the fungal infections that sometimes cause scalp discolouration.

While you use this shampoo, the stuff is relatively normal and it is worth learning a little more about this shampoo before you start lathering up. Here’s a look at what ketoconazole shampoo is, how it works, its uses, types, side effects, how to use it, who can use it and its precaution

Let’s begin

What is Dandruff?

Firstly, let's clear your basics about Dandruff! It is a scalp condition that causes flakes of skin to appear. You might also experience itching.

Almost everyone experiences dandruff at some point in their lives, but it is more common from the teenage years up to your midlife.

Talking about causes, there can be numerous. Right from seborrheic dermatitis, allergic reactions, psoriasis, and eczema. Several other factors increase the risk of developing dandruff, including your age, weather condition, stress levels, medical conditions, and even choice of hair products.

You might be surprised to know that poor hygiene is not a factor, but the flakes might be more visible if a person does not wash or brush their hair often. People often also feel self-conscious about dandruff, but help is available.

What are Ketoconazole Shampoos?

Ketoconazole shampoos are red-orange liquid that helps treat fungal infections that occur on or around the scalp. In a few cases, a healthcare expert might recommend using ketoconazole for other off-label purposes.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the usage of ketoconazole 2% solution for treating certain scalp conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and tinea versicolor, which is a noncontagious skin fungal infection.

 Ketoconazole is easily available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription strengths.

A person should consult their doctor if they suspect that they have a fungal infection. A medical professional can provide more advice on effective treatments for their condition.

What are the uses of Ketoconazole shampoo?

With OTC brands like Nizoral available in supermarkets or online for purchase, ketoconazole shampoo is commonly advertised as a treatment of dandruff problem. A dry scalp can cause some dandruff, while other dandruff is known as seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis might be linked with an overgrowth of Malassezia. It is a yeast fungus that is naturally present on your skin. Ketoconazole shampoo can help in treating dandruff by reducing fungus and inflammation.

• Psoriasis

Ketoconazole shampoo is considered a common treatment for psoriasis which is another inflammatory skin disease that causes skin flaking, skin plaques, and redness. The yeast-like fungus often infects your skin plaques. Prescription ketoconazole might be required for psoriasis flares.

• Tinea infections

Ketoconazole shampoo is also known to treat problems like tinea capitis and tinea versicolor. Tinea capitis is a superficial and ringworm-like fungus infection that affects your scalp. Tinea versicolor is a skin infection that is caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast that naturally lives on the skin.

• Hair Loss

While ketoconazole shampoo is most frequently used for its antifungal properties to treat infections or conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, there is anecdotal evidence that indicates that it may also help promote hair growth or reduce the hair loss process. One small pilot study which included 15 people suffering with alopecia found that ketoconazole might be able to improve hair regrowth.

How does Ketoconazole Shampoo Works?

There is numerous confusion that surrounds the usage of ketoconazole and how it treats hair loss. Ketoconazole comes in both tablets and topical form. Ketoconazole tablets are used as an antifungal agent to treat a variety of skin diseases or infections.

Although ketoconazole oral tablets do not specifically treat your hair loss problems, individuals who suffer from hair loss as a result of a scalp infection or other scalp issues might observe their hair growth after treating various skin conditions. 

However, it is known that ketoconazole does not directly treat hair loss. Ketoconazole shampoos help in eliminating scalp conditions. This is because ketoconazole shampoo helps kill fungi and yeast cells that grow on your scalp. 

If you have been diagnosed with a particular scalp condition, then you will likely be prescribed a ketoconazole topical or a shampoo. 

What are the types of Ketoconazole Shampoo?

Usually, all ketoconazole shampoos work similarly. Some of them might just have a higher concentration of ketoconazole, which makes them more powerful than other shampoos with a lower concentration of ketoconazole.

• Ketoconazole 1 percent

It is typically used to treat dandruff problems that include dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis. Several options like Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo are available over the counter and are meant to be used a few times a week for a shorter duration.

• Ketoconazole 2 percent

It is typically used to treat any fungal infections like tinea versicolor. It is designed to be a one-time use treatment and it is only available by prescription.

Who can use it?

Anyone who is allergic to ketoconazole, must not use shampoo.

According to a study, ketoconazole is completely safe to use topically, and people should be able to use this shampoo for its intended purpose safely. However, the researchers have noted that in some cases, contact dermatitis might occur.

People who experience an allergic reaction when they use ketoconazole shampoo must strictly discontinue its use. If the reaction becomes severe, they should seek immediate medical attention from the expert.

Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

It is completely safe to use ketoconazole shampoo when breastfeeding. According to one article published in 2018, the use of ketoconazole shampoo does not pose a risk to newly born children. However, breastfeeding women must avoid applying it to the breasts or the nipples due to the chance of the infant ingesting it.

There no such research is done on the use of ketoconazole shampoo during pregnancy. According to the FDA, a person should not use ketoconazole shampoo during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs any potential risks to their fetus.

However, more recent research suggested that ketoconazole shampoo is likely safe but that if a pregnant woman uses it, she should only do so in limited areas for shorter durations

There is not enough research to indicate whether the ingredients could be harmful to the developing baby.

Children who fall under the age of 2 years tr should also avoid using the shampoo unless a doctor recommends it. The safety of ketoconazole shampoo on children remains doubtful.

What are the side effects of Ketoconazole shampoo?

Ketoconazole shampoo usually has limited side effects.

According to the FDA, some side effects that are reported include:

• Odd colour and feel of the hair
• Itching
• Burning sensation
• Hives
• Hypersensitivity
• Dry skin
• Alopecia
• Swelling
• Rash
• Irritated skin

If any person is experiencing a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, they must seek emergency medical help.

The symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Wheezing
• Passing out
• Tight chest
• Hoarse voice
• Hives
• Diarrhoea
• Difficulty swallowing
• A feeling of impending doom

How to use Ketoconazole Shampoo?

You can use a ketoconazole shampoo as instructed by your doctor or as indicated on the shampoo label.

If you’re treating your scalp, you should apply the shampoo to wet hair.

Then lather it well and give it time to soak into the scalp before rinsing. You can then move to condition the ends of your hair, rinse, and dry as you normally do.

If you are using ketoconazole shampoo on any other area than the scalp, you must apply it to the affected area and let it sit for about five minutes. Then, simply wash it off thoroughly with water, and then dry the area.

How often and how long you use the shampoo completely depends on several different factors. These factors include the strength of the shampoo (either 1% for OTC or 2% for prescription medication), the condition you are treating and the severity of your prevailing symptoms. Your doctor might ask you to use it as often as every other day or as infrequently as once a week depending on the current factors.

Precautions

Before using ketoconazole shampoo, you must tell your doctor or pharmacist whether you are allergic to it or if you are suffering from other allergies. This product might contain inactive ingredients, which can cause several allergic reactions or other problems. You should talk to your pharmacist for more details.

You must also tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history before using this medication. This medication should be used only if required during pregnancy. You should discuss this with your doctor before breast-feeding.

How to get rid of Dandruff at home?

We have mentioned some amazing methods through which you can get rid of dandruff at your home! 

1. Wash Your Hair with Vinegar

Vinegar is very much effective against dandruff. If you want to get rid of any existing dandruff, you can simply mix an equal amount of vinegar with water to wash your hair. However, this is not going to solve your problem permanently unless you work on the steps given below.

2. Use Neem Leaves

Neem leaves are widely used in Asian countries to treat scalp issues like scalp irritation, lice and dandruff. These leaves are known to have antiseptic qualities and can moisturize your hair and scalp.

Once you have these leaves, you can crush them together in a bowl to create a paste and then add water to make the paste slightly runny. Now you should apply this paste onto your hair and scalp before washing it off with warm water.

You should repeat this process at least four times a week for the best results.

An alternative is to place neem leaves in boiling water for about half an hour and then strain the entire water to wash your hair with it.

3. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera has several natural qualities which can be good for your hair and scalp. Aloe vera gel not only soothes your skin but also has antibacterial properties important for fighting off fungal infections. You can just rub Aloe Vera gel on your palms and then massage your hair and scalp with it.  Now, you should let it stay for about half an hour before washing for the best results.

4. Apple Juice and Honey

Just like honey and lemon, apple juice and honey is also a good combination and a remedy for dandruff. Simply take two tablespoons of apple juice and then mix it with 5 tablespoons of honey to create a paste. Rub the paste onto your hair and scalp and let it sit for about 10 minutes before washing it.

5. Properly Use an Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

You might hear people telling you that anti-dandruff shampoos are mere marketing stunts, but that is not always the case. Several shampoos are known to reduce dandruff and hair fall.

You should usually wash your hair twice a week using lukewarm water and anti-dandruff shampoo. After some time, you should dry your hair before brushing lightly to remove any leftover flakes.

If you follow this routine, your hair should remain dandruff free for at least 2 days.

Here we have the best shampoo for you if you want to treat your hair fall and make your hair stronger, shinier and nourished.

6. Anti-Hair fall shampoo

Groww B anti-hair fall shampoo protects the hair follicles from breaking and makes hair thick and durable. To get a better result we will advise you to use this shampoo for 60 days and within the course of this time, you will notice a change in your hair texture and hair fall. 

Ingredients of this shampoo:

This shampoo contains ingredients like Aloe Vera Extract, Watercress Extract, Argan Oil, Liposomal Caffeine, Ceramides, let us get into the benefits of them.

1) Aloe Vera Extract:

Aloe Vera Extract is a good component as it helps in the reduction of dandruff, this can also resolve the issues of an itchy scalp. Aloe Vera repairs the dead cells and helps in the regrowth of hair follicles.

2) Watercress Extract:

Watercress extract is enriched with properties that can balance the hormones and help in boosting the process of hair growth.

3) Argan Oil:

Argan Oil is known for moisturizing and nourishing the scalp leaving the scalp healthier which will eventually lead to less hair fall.

4) Liposomal Caffeine:

Caffeine is a good element in boosting hair growth, it also works as a natural DHT blocker.

5) Ceramides:

Ceramide is an active agent that helps repair the texture of the hair, if you have damaged or dry hair this will help in treating the hair overall.