Ketaconazole (also spelled ketoconazole) is a broad-spectrum antifungal treatment used to eliminate a wide range of fungal infections.

As safer and more effective antifungal treatments have been developed, use of orally-administered ketaconazole has become quite rare. However, it is still a widely-used and highly-effective topical treatment. Patients frequently buy ketaconazole to treat:

• Tinea corporis (ringworm)
• Tinea cruris (jock itch)
• Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
• Tinea versicolor (flaking or discolored skin)
• Cutaneous candidiasis
• Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff)

Most of the above fungal infections are best treated with a topical cream, such as offered by Daktagold. Patients with infections of the hair or scalp should buy ketaconazole shampoos instead. Systemic infections, which require treatment with tablets, injections, or oral solutions, should not be treated with ketaconazole except as a last resort when other antifungal treatments fail to work.

Low dose shampoos and creams are typically available over-the-counter. A prescription may be needed to buy ketaconazole in higher doses.

What to Expect from Topical Ketaconazole

Ketaconazole is a very effective treatment when applied topically; cases where it doesn't work are usually because the condition was misdiagnosed.

Treatment may vary somewhat depending on the particular infection and its severity. In most cases ketaconazole creams are applied once per day for 2 to 6 weeks. Shampoo is usually applied once every 3 or 4 days for up to 8 weeks, and treatment may continue once or twice per week for maintenance.

The affected area should be cleaned and dried before application of cream. The cream should be massaged into the affected area and extend a short ways onto surrounding healthy skin. It will not stain clothing, footwear, or other fabrics. Ketaconazole shampoos are used like other shampoos; the hair is wet, the shampoo lathered in, rinse and repeat.

Improvements are usually noticed very quickly, within a few days of starting treatment with the cream or by the third or fourth shampoo application. It is important to continue treatment for the prescribed duration to completely eliminate the infection, even if symptoms disappear completely---in fact, ideally, treatment should continue for 14 days after all symptoms have cleared up. Stopping treatment too early may contribute to the development of resistant fungi.

Precautions & Adverse Effects

Used properly, topical ketaconazole is very safe. There are, however, some things to keep in mind to ensure treatment is trouble-free:

• Do not apply cream or shampoo to mucous membranes or open wounds.
• Do not use other topical treatments at the same time as ketaconazole cream or shampoo without explicit doctor approval.
• Though unlikely to prove harmful, pregnant or breast-feeding mothers should discuss potential risks with a doctor before use.

Side effects are very rare and usually occur at the application site:

• Stinging
• Itching
• Irritation (pain, inflammation)

In the small percentage of patients who do experience the above side effects, symptoms range from mild to severe. If severe enough to be distracting, discontinue use and consider other options.

Mild, transient stinging on application is not unusual. This should fade away after a few moments, and often stops occurring altogether after a few applications. It is only cause for concern if persistent or severe.

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A prescription is not required to buy ketaconazole from Kiwi Drug. We're always here to help if you have any questions or encounter any difficulties with your order.