Does the dandruff problem on your head not subside no matter how much medication you take? Or do you sometimes get white or brown spots on your neck and chest, which itch a little? These can sometimes be more annoying than we think. Many people use various shampoos and creams for these things, but there are times when they don't work properly. This is when your doctor may recommend a shampoo called Ketoconazole.
What exactly is Ketoconazole?
Simply put, Ketoconazole is an antifungal . That is, it is a medicine that can kill fungi (fungus/yeast) that grow on our skin, scalp, etc. You may have seen it under names like Nizoral, Nizoral AD.
Just think about it, there are many types of microorganisms in our environment and on our skin. Some of these fungi are harmless under normal conditions, but sometimes (for example, when sweating increases, immunity decreases) they start to grow rapidly. That's when we get conditions like dandruff and tinea versicolor.
The most important thing is that this medicine only works on fungal infections. It has no effect on skin diseases caused by bacteria or viruses. Therefore, only a doctor can know exactly what is wrong with your skin.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before a doctor prescribes this medicine for you, he or she will need to know a complete history of your health condition. Therefore, be sure to inform him or her about the following:
- Skin wounds or burns: Tell us if you have large areas of skin that are burned, wounded, or otherwise damaged.
- Allergies: It is very important to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Ketoconazole, any other medicine, food, or skin irritants (dyes, preservatives).
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you should tell your doctor before using this medicine.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or not.
How do you use this shampoo exactly?
To get the most out of a medication, you need to use it as directed. Remember these steps carefully.
1. For external use only: This is a shampoo for body/head use only . Do not take by mouth for any reason.
2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using the shampoo.
3. Be careful with your eyes: Be careful not to let this get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with plenty of clean water.
4. How to use:
- First, thoroughly wet the area of skin or scalp you want to treat with water.
- Then, take the required amount of shampoo and apply it well to the area.
- Massage gently until it lathers well.
- Now leave this foam as it is for about 5 minutes . This is the most important step. Because the medicine needs this time to work.
- After 5 minutes, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Then pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
5. Use the entire time: You should definitely use this for the entire time your doctor tells you to use it. Don't stop arbitrarily just because your symptoms have subsided. If you stop, the fungal infection may come back.
What do you do if you forget to use shampoo?
If this happens, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Warning!
If this is accidentally used in excess, or if someone, such as a small child, drinks it, it is an emergency. Immediately take the person to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What side effects can be expected?
Like any medicine, this can cause minor side effects in some people. But most people don't. It's important to be aware of this.
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic Reactions: Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. | Stop treatment immediately and see a doctor or go to the ETU. |
| Excessive inflammation, itching, soreness, or peeling of the treated skin. | Call the doctor immediately and seek advice. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Change in hair color or texture. | If this condition persists or bothers you, tell your doctor. |
| Hair loss. | If this condition persists or bothers you, tell your doctor. |
| Slight burning or discomfort where the shampoo was applied. | If this condition persists or bothers you, tell your doctor. |
Other things to consider during treatment
- Check your progress: Your doctor will give you a date to see if your symptoms are improving or worsening. Be sure to go on that date. If your symptoms are not improving or worsening, tell your doctor.
- Other skin products: While using this shampoo, do not apply any other creams, lotions, or medications to the area without consulting your doctor.
- If your hair is permed: If you have a permanent wave/perm, keep in mind that this shampoo may cause your hair to lose its curliness.
How to store the medicine?
To maintain the quality of the medicine, it must be stored correctly.
- Keep away from children: Keep in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.
- Room temperature: Store at normal room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive sunlight and heat.
- After expiration: Discard any medication that has passed its expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Ketoconazole is a prescription shampoo for fungal infections. Do not use it on its own.
- This is for external use only. Do not take by mouth for any reason. Be careful not to get it in your eyes.
- Take the treatment for the full duration prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop halfway.
- It is imperative to tell your doctor about any allergies you have and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you experience a severe allergic reaction, such as severe itching and swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- Always keep medicines away from children and pets.
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