Always follow the instructions that come with your medicine or follow your doctor's advice.
How often you use ketoconazole and how long you use it for depends on the type of skin problem you have.
How often to use ketoconazole
How often you use ketoconazole cream or shampoo varies depending on why you're using it.
How often to use cream for athlete's foot, jock itch and sweat rash
Use the cream once or twice a day on the infected skin and surrounding area. For athlete's foot, you need to use it twice a day regularly.
Carry on using the cream for 3 days after your symptoms have cleared up. This will help to stop the infection coming back.
How often to use shampoo or cream for seborrhoeic dermatitis
Use the shampoo twice a week for 2 to 4 weeks until your symptoms have cleared up. Then use it once every 1 to 2 weeks to stop them coming back.
Alternatively, you can use the cream once or twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks. Then use the shampoo once every 1 to 2 weeks to stop your symptoms coming back.
How often to use shampoo for dandruff
Use the shampoo twice a week for 2 to 4 weeks. Then use it once every 1 to 2 weeks to stop your dandruff coming back.
How often to use shampoo or cream for pityriasis versicolor
Use the shampoo once a day for up to 5 days.
For treating small areas of skin, you can use the cream instead. Put the cream on once or twice a day for 2 to 3 weeks.
If your symptoms tend to return in sunlight, use the shampoo once a day for up to 3 days before going out in the sun.
How to use it
How to use ketoconazole cream
- Wash and dry the infected area of skin. If you're treating your feet, make sure you dry between your toes.
- Use your own towel or flannel. This stops you passing the infection on to anyone else.
- Gently rub the cream into the infected area and surrounding skin. You'll usually need a small amount, depending on the size of the area you're treating. Be careful not to let the cream get into your eyes or mouth. If it does get into your eyes or mouth, rinse them with water.
- Wash your hands afterwards. This stops you spreading the infection to other parts of your body or other people.
If you're using any other creams, ointments or lotions on the same area of skin, do not put them on at the same time as ketoconazole cream. After putting on the ketoconazole cream, wait 30 minutes before you use different products on the same area. This gives the ketoconazole time to be absorbed into your skin.
How to use ketoconazole shampoo
- Rinse your hair or the infected area of skin with water.
- Shake the shampoo bottle, then squeeze a small amount onto the infected area.
- If you're treating your scalp, massage the shampoo into your scalp until it makes a lather.
- Leave the shampoo on for 3 to 5 minutes, then wash it off with water. Try not to get the shampoo into your eyes or mouth. If it gets into your eyes or mouth, rinse them with water.
- Wash your hands afterwards. This stops you spreading the infection to other parts of your body or other people.
If you forget to use it
If you forget to use your ketoconazole cream or shampoo, just skip the missed dose and then keep to your usual routine.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicines.
If you use too much
If you use too much ketoconazole shampoo or cream, or use it more often than you need to, it may make your skin irritated or red, although any redness may be less obvious on brown or black skin. If this happens, use less the next time.