Ketoconazole for ringworm

Ketoconazole is a prescription drug that is used to treat a variety of infections, which fungi or yeast cause, including ringworm. It comes in several different forms, including:

• topical cream
• shampoo
• oral tablet

Ketoconazole is a generic drug, but it’s also available in brand-name versions called Extina and Nizoral. Depending on its strength, ketoconazole may be available over the counter or with a prescription from your doctor.

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Can ketoconazole treat ringworm?

Ketoconazole can be used to treat ringworm. Ringworm, or tinea corporis, is a common and highly transmissible fungal skin infection. Despite its name, it is a fungus that causes ringworm and not a worm.

Doctors typically prescribe ketoconazole 2% cream or foam to treat ringworm infection. Depending on where you have the ringworm infection, you may need to use a different form of ketoconazole, such as shampoo.

Doctors typically do not prescribe ketoconazole oral tablets to treat ringworm. This is because oral medications have more potential risks and side effects than the forms you apply to your skin or scalp. Ketoconazole oral tablet is only prescribed for severe fungal or yeast infections on your skin, hair, nails, and blood. Doctors prescribe oral ketoconazole as a last-choice medication when other treatments haven’t worked or caused too many side effects.

It’s also important to note that although ketoconazole cream and shampoo can treat ringworm. They do not help treat eczema. Sometimes, people get confused between eczema and ringworm due to their similar appearance. However, eczema is a different condition. A fungus does not cause eczema.

Ketoconazole dosage for ringworm

Ketoconazole foam and cream come in two different strengths. 1% ketoconazole is available OTC, and 2% ketoconazole requires a prescription. The dosage for both strengths of ketoconazole is typically once or twice per day for around 4 weeks. The length of time you use ketoconazole will vary depending on the severity of your infection. It may range from 2 to 6 weeks.

To use ketoconazole foam, or cream, it’s important to wash and dry the area of skin where you have ringworm prior to applying ketoconazole. Once the area is completely dry, you can apply ketoconazole and rub it in gently.

The frequency and length of time you should use ketoconazole shampoo will depend on several factors. These include how severe the ringworm infection is and the strength of the ketoconazole shampoo you use. 1% ketoconazole shampoo is available OTC, and 2% ketoconazole shampoo is available with a prescription. Doctors may prescribe it to use anywhere from once every other day to once per week.

When you use ketoconazole shampoo, apply it to wet hair. Then lather it well, spread it out a little past the edges of your hairline, and let it soak in for about 5 minutes. You can then rinse it out and condition the ends of your hair, rinse, and dry it as usual.

How long does it take for ketoconazole to work?

Topical forms of ketoconazole typically start working as soon as you use them. Ketoconazole works by killing the fungus that is causing the ringworm infection. Even though it starts to work right away, it may take around 2 to 3 weeks to notice results.

It’s important to continue using ketoconazole for the full amount of time that your doctor recommends. Even if you feel like your ringworm infection is going away, keep using ketoconazole for as long as your doctor prescribes it. This will help make sure the ringworm doesn’t come back and has been fully treated.

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Summary

Ketoconazole comes in several topical forms, such as cream, foam, and shampoo, that you may use to treat ringworm. Although it also comes as an oral tablet, doctors often do not prescribe this form of ketoconazole to treat ringworm.

Healthcare professionals typically prescribe ketoconazole cream and shampoo for several weeks at a time. Your doctor will determine the frequency you should apply them. It’s important to use ketoconazole for the full amount of time that your doctor recommends. This will help ensure that the ringworm infection doesn’t come back.