If you’ve ever searched about medicated treatments for hair loss, then there are fair chances that you’ve come across Ketoconazole as the most effective solution.

While Ketoconazole is the most popular ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos, it is also recommended for numerous other hair problems, including hair loss. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Ketoconazole including its uses, benefits, effectiveness, side effects, and so on.

What Is ketoconazole?

Ketoconazole is essentially an antifungal compound that is used for treating a wide variety of skin infections. It usually comes as an active ingredient in several ointments and creams for skin conditions like ringworm, jock itch, and rashes. Besides, it is also used as a powerful ingredient in shampoos for hair issues such as dandruff, dermatitis or eczema-induced itching, flaking, as well as other types of fungal issues like tinea. 

Also read: 9 Tips to Properly Care for natural hair

How Does Ketoconazole Work?

Ketoconazole is a member of the antifungal family known as imidazoles. These meds are known to suppress the growth of infection-causing bacteria and fungi that are responsible for causing discolouration and flakiness on the scalp. It usually fights down the fungi without getting absorbed internally.

Ketoconazole based shampoos are available both with and without prescription, based on the strength or ingredient concentration you are looking for. Generally, people with mild dandruff or other scalp issues go for lower concentration Ketoconazole shampoo, while the ones with severe problems are recommended a higher concentration of it.

Is Ketoconazole Good For Hair Loss?

Although ketoconazole is mostly recommended for dandruff and other scalp issues, it is great for treating hair loss as well.

If you don’t already know, dandruff is one of the main causes of hair loss. When suffering from severe dandruff and fungal infection induced itching, people tend to scratch their scalp so harshly that it causes inflammation and damages the hair follicles. And these damaged hair follicles result in hair loss and also stops hair growth as well.

Using Ketoconazole not only helps in eliminating dandruff and infected scalp, but it also stops the hair fall caused by it.

Apart from these facts, several dermatologists recommend Ketoconazole to patients dealing with hair loss, even when they have no signs of dandruff. The reason behind this is, Ketoconazole is believed to regrow and strengthen hair.

Other Uses of Ketoconazole Shampoo

For Tinea Infections

Because Ketoconazole is an antifungal compound, it is popularly used for treating fungal skin infections that can severely affect your scalp.

Tinea capitis is one such common fungal infection which is also known as scalp ringworm. Usually, it leads to the formation of itchy and problematic rashes on the scalp. When left untreated for long, it starts resulting in extreme hair loss by damaging the hair follicles.

Tinea capitis is very much similar to tinea versicolor that often develops on the shoulders and trunks. Although this fungal condition is mostly treated by oral medication, ketoconazole shampoo is recommended as an effective secondary treatment.

For Psoriasis

Ketoconazole Shampoo is also highly recommended for people suffering from psoriasis, which is a skin issue that results in the growth of scaly, red patches on the skin.

If you’re someone having psoriasis, then know that it will also affect your scalp, sooner or later. Hence, before your scalp problems get worse, try using a good quality Ketoconazole shampoo along with other treatments.

When used in conjunction with ingredients like clobetasol propionate, ketoconazole can do wonders in controlling the growth of psoriasis.

For Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a well-known inflammatory skin disorder that leads to scaly and greasy rashes on your scalp and folds of your skin. These rashes are generally very itchy and flaky. They often result in dandruff when you scratch them.

Ketoconazole shampoo is one of the most effective treatments for seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff caused by it.

Is Ketoconazole Shampoo Safe? Does it Cause Any Side-effects?

Yes, ketoconazole shampoo is safe to use and isn’t likely to cause any reactions or side effects. As we’ve already mentioned above, it can be purchased with or without a prescription. So, you can easily buy Ketoconazole Shampoo online or from your local stores as well.

How To Use Ketoconazole Shampoo?

Ketoconazole Shampoo can be used just like any other shampoo. You need to apply enough quality of it on your wet hair and work in lather. While doing so, you might feel a little tingling and burning sensation, but it is completely normal.

You should keep in mind while using ketoconazole shampoo to avoid mixing it with other shampoos. And also, don’t use harsh, chemical-rich products like conditioners, harsh soaps, hair sprays, gels, etc., after using it.

And that’s it!

Ketoconazole Shampoo is one of the most effective products for dealing with a number of hair issues such as dandruff, itchiness, flakiness, and even hair fall. You can definitely try it out if you’re dealing with these issues.