Ketoconazole cream is primarily used to treat fungal and yeast infections of the skin. It's also sometimes used for seborrheic dermatitis.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
-
Fungal and Yeast Infections: The main purpose of ketoconazole cream is to combat various skin infections caused by fungi or yeast. Examples include:
- Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
- Tinea cruris (jock itch)
- Tinea corporis (ringworm)
- Tinea versicolor
-
Seborrheic Dermatitis: Ketoconazole cream can also treat seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition that leads to scaly patches, inflamed skin (redness), and stubborn dandruff, often on the scalp, face (especially around the nose and eyebrows), and chest. It helps reduce the yeast Malassezia, which is thought to contribute to this condition.
Important Considerations:
- Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication. It is not effective against infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
- Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions when using ketoconazole cream.
- Typically, you apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area once or twice daily for the prescribed duration.
- Be sure to wash and dry the affected area before applying the cream.
- Continue using the cream for the full treatment period, even if your symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
- Inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or worsens after a few weeks of treatment.
In summary, ketoconazole cream is a topical antifungal medication primarily prescribed for fungal skin infections and seborrheic dermatitis.
