In the next section, we have explained how ketoconazole may prevent hair loss.
Does Ketoconazole Shampoo Prevent Hair Loss?
The answer is perhaps yes. Your hair health depends on your scalp condition. Fungal infections and other issues often damage the hair follicles. Further irritation and itching can aggravate the condition and cause hair fall. Ketoconazole shampoo or a topical solution can prevent infections, keep the scalp healthy, and prevent hair loss. It can also promote hair growth. Several studies have indicated the hair growth-promoting effect of ketoconazole:
Topical ketoconazole was found to improve female pattern hair loss. Researchers found that 2% ketoconazole had a trichogenic effect (hair growth-promoting). However, compared to topical minoxidil, ketoconazole has a delayed effect (1).
According to another pilot study, ketoconazole inhibits 5-alpha reductase (the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT) and improves hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia (3).
Animal studies reported that 2% ketoconazole shampoo stimulated hair growth and had a clinically therapeutic effect on androgenetic alopecia (4).
Although studies show promising results, more research is required to establish a correlation between ketoconazole shampoos and reduced hair loss. Ketoconazole is a medicated ingredient, and any product containing it should not be used without consulting a doctor.
How To Use Ketoconazole Shampoo
Apply it to your wet scalp and hair and massage. Leave it on for 2-3 minutes. Rinse the scalp and hair thoroughly. Follow your usual conditioning routine.
Note: Do not use ketoconazole shampoo on cuts and wounds. Ketoconazole is also available in the form of creams and ointments. These are used for fungal skin issues like ringworm, tinea cruris(jock itch), and tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) (2). Ketoconazole may cause allergic reactions and other side effects. Let’s take a look.
The Side Effects Of Using Ketoconazole Shampoo
Ketoconazole shampoo may cause (1):
Allergic reaction Change in hair texture Scalp irritation Oily or dry scalp
It may also cause serious side effects like:
Hives Rashes Difficulty in breathing Redness Swelling Tenderness Pain or warmth on the area of application
If you experience these or any other unusual problems, consult your doctor immediately. How often should I use ketoconazole shampoo for hair loss? Check out the infographic below to learn some tips for using ketoconazole as cream, foam, and gel. It depends on the severity of your condition. Follow a routine as prescribed by the doctor. Who should not use ketoconazole shampoo? Anyone allergic to ketokonazole should avoid using it. Also, avoid applying it to broken skin, as it may irritate. Can you leave ketoconazole shampoo on overnight? No, you cannot leave it on overnight. Wash it off after 3-5 minutes. Do I use regular shampoo after ketoconazole shampoo? No. Do not use another shampoo after using ketoconazole, as that will rinse off the active ingredients from the scalp.
References:
Trichogenic effect of topical ketoconazole versus minoxidil 2% in female pattern hair loss: a clinical and trichoscopic evaluation,https://biomeddermatol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41702-019-0046-y Ketoconazole Topical,https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605014.html Pilot Study of 15 Patients Receiving a New Treatment Regimen for Androgenic Alopecia: The Effects of Atopy on AGA,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3262531/ Topical application of ketoconazole stimulates hair growth in C3H/HeN mice,https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15863844/
