Did the doctor prescribe Ketoconazole cream for your skin problem? Let's find out about it (Ketoconazole Cream)

Do you sometimes get white or brown patches on your skin that feel a little itchy? We also call this "scaly skin." Or does the skin on your scalp, eyebrows, and on both sides of your nose become dry and flaky? Ketoconazole is a cream that doctors often recommend for fungal infections and yeast infections. So if you have to use this medicine, let's talk today about how to use this cream exactly, what to be careful about, and what can happen with it.

What exactly is Ketoconazole?

Simply put, Ketoconazole is an antifungal , meaning it is a type of medication. It works by killing fungi and yeast cells that grow on the surface of the skin. It is mainly used to:

• Various fungal infections of the skin: These include conditions such as tinea versicolor and ringworm.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis: This may be a new word for some people. This is a condition where the skin becomes red, dry, and flaky in areas where there are a lot of oil-producing glands, such as the scalp, face (on both sides of the nose, eyebrows, behind the ears), and chest. Some people also think of it as a severe case of dandruff.

Things to tell your doctor before using the cream

It is very important for your doctor to have a complete picture of your health before prescribing this medication. Therefore, be sure to tell him/her about the following:

• If you have an allergy to Ketoconazole or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .
• If you have large areas of burned or injured skin.

Based on this information, it will be easier for the doctor to decide whether this medication is right for you or not.

How exactly do you use this cream?

To get the most out of a medication, it's essential to use it correctly. Follow these steps.

1. For skin only: This is for skin use only. Do not take it by mouth for any reason.

2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the cream. However, if you are applying the medicine to your hands, you may only need to wash them before applying.

3. Do not apply to healthy skin: Apply the medicine only to the infected area. Do not apply to healthy skin or over a large area of ​​skin.

4. Be careful with your eyes: Do not let this cream get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately open your eyes and rinse them thoroughly with clean water.

5. Apply a thin layer: Applying a lot of medicine will not cure the infection quickly. Apply only a thin film to cover the infected area and rub it gently into the skin until it is absorbed.

6. Take it on time: Try to take the medicine at the same time every day, as your doctor has told you. Do not take it more often than prescribed, or use it for longer than prescribed.

7. Do not apply bandages: Do not cover the area where the medicine was applied with a bandage or dressing, unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor. This is because fungi love moisture and warmth.

8. Don't stop: Don't stop taking your medication just because you feel your symptoms have subsided. Complete the prescribed course of treatment as directed by your doctor.

When used for small children

Children may require special care when using this medication. Therefore, be sure to talk to a pediatrician before using this cream on a child.

Be careful of these things when taking medication.

Just applying the cream is not enough. Consider these things to prevent the infection from recurring.

• Keep your skin dry: After bathing, pat your skin dry with a towel, especially in the folds of your skin (groin, armpits, between your fingers). Fungi love moisture.
• Clothing: Wear cotton clothes that absorb sweat as much as possible. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester do not absorb sweat, creating a good environment for fungus to grow. Wear clean, laundered clothes every day.
• If you have athlete's foot: Dry your feet thoroughly after bathing, especially between the toes. Avoid wearing socks made of wool or synthetic fabrics. Wear clean cotton socks, and change them at least once a day. Wear well-ventilated shoes or sandals. You can also use something like talcum powder to keep the skin dry between applications of medication.
• If you have jock itch: Avoid wearing tight underwear. Wear loose, cotton underwear instead of underwear made of synthetic fabrics. Dry the area thoroughly after bathing.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medication, Ketoconazole cream can cause side effects in some people. It's important to be aware of these.

What if I take too much medicine or accidentally ingest it?

If you accidentally use too much of this cream, or if someone, such as a small child, puts it in their mouth, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

How to store the medicine?

• Keep away from children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat or extreme cold.
• Throw away expired medications . Do not use them.

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