Do you also experience flaky skin on your head, sides of your face, around your nose, and chest? Do those areas sometimes become red and itchy? This is a common, annoying skin condition that many people have. So, a medication that doctors often prescribe for this is Ketoconazole foam. Today, let's learn exactly about this medication, how to use it, and what to be careful about.
What is Ketoconazole Foam?
Simply put, Ketoconazole is an antifungal. This means that it can kill certain types of fungi that grow on our skin. In medical terms, we call this an ``Antifungal'' drug.
This foam is mainly used to treat a skin condition called `(Seborrheic Dermatitis)`. This is when skin cells in the oily areas of our body (for example, the scalp, face, and chest) grow rapidly and peel off like scales. Sometimes this is caused by an overgrowth of a normal fungus on the skin. So, what Ketoconazole foam does is control the growth of that fungus and restore the skin to normal. You can find this medicine under various brand names in Sri Lanka such as `(Extina)` or `(Ketodan)`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
- Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies to Ketoconazole, other antifungal medications, or any other medications, foods, or dyes.
- Skin wounds or burns: If you have burns, cuts, or other damage to a large area of your skin.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: You should also mention that if you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child.
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 medicine?
To get the most out of a medication, it's important to use it correctly. Here's how to use this foam.
Most importantly: This medicine is for topical use only . Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. However, if you are applying the medicine to an infection on your hands, wash your hands only before applying it.
2. Clean and dry the skin: Clean the area where the medicine will be applied (e.g. head, face) with a mild soap, then pat dry with a clean towel.
3. Shake the bottle: Shake the foam bottle (can) well before use.
4. Apply the foam to the cap: Hold the bottle upright and spray a small amount of foam onto the cap. Do not spray directly onto the skin.
5. Apply to skin: Take the foam from the cap with your fingertips and apply it well to the affected area. Gently rub until the foam is completely absorbed into the skin and disappears.
6. Be careful with your eyes: Do not let this medicine get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately open your eyes and rinse them thoroughly with clean water for several minutes.
7. Take the medicine at the right time, for the right length of time: Take the medicine at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor. Even if you think your symptoms have subsided, take the medicine for the full duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it halfway.
| Things to consider | Description |
|---|---|
| If you miss a dose of medication | If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But 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 or extra dose. |
| If you use too much by mistake | This is a topical medication so there is little chance of it becoming a serious problem. However, if someone accidentally drinks it or if you think they have used too much, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. |
Things to remember when using the medicine
- Cleanliness and dryness: Moisture is a major cause of fungal infections. So, dry your skin thoroughly after bathing. Especially keep the infected area dry.
- Clothing: Wear cotton clothes that are breathable and sweat-wicking as much as possible. Clothes made from materials like `synthetics` can trap moisture and help fungus grow. So avoid them. Wear clean clothes every day.
- Other skin cosmetics: Do not apply any other creams, lotions, or ointments to the area where this medicine is applied without first asking your doctor.
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve after a few days of taking the medication, or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor immediately.
- Re-infection: Sometimes the infection can recur after stopping the medication. If this happens, see your doctor again.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause minor side effects in some people. But there's nothing to worry about. Most of the time, these aren't serious.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Serious Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (may cause difficulty breathing). |
| Excessive skin inflammation | Unbearable burning, itching, peeling, or crusting of the skin where the medicine was applied. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor skin discomfort | Slight redness, burning, or itching where the medicine was applied (this usually goes away after a while). |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children: Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Temperature: Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not freeze or refrigerate.
- Expiration: Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
Keep away from fire and excessive heat!
This foam bottle is highly flammable (`Flammable`) . Therefore, keep it away from places with high heat such as flames, stoves, heaters, and people who smoke.
Take-Home Message
- Ketoconazole foam is a topical ointment used to treat fungal skin diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis.
- This should only be used on the advice of a doctor. Use it for the full prescribed period.
- Do not spray the medicine directly onto the skin, but first apply it to the scalp, then apply it to the skin.
- It is very important to keep the skin clean and dry during the treatment.
- If you experience allergy symptoms such as severe itching and swelling, see a doctor immediately.
- This medicine bottle is flammable, so keep it away from fire and excessive heat.
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