Ketoconazole Cream

Ketoconazole Cream comes with the brand name “ETOGEN” and belongs to a class of drugs called ‘antifungal’ primarily used to treat fungal infections of the skin like ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, seborrheic dermatitis (dry, flaky skin on the face, scalp, chest, upper back or ears) and pityriasis (a type of skin rash that causes scaly, discoloured patches on chest, back, legs and arms). Fungal infection is a skin disease in which a fungus attacks the tissue and causes infection. Fungal infections may be contagious (spread from one person to another).

Ketoconazole Cream contains Ketoconazole which works by damaging the fungal cell membranes that are essential for their survival as they prevent the entry of unwanted substances into the cells and stop the leakage of cell contents. Thus, it kills fungi and yeast.

Medical Benefits

• It is an antifungal that is primarily used to treat fungal infections of the skin such as ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot, seborrheic dermatitis (dry, flaky skin on face, scalp, chest, upper back, or ears), and pityriasis (a type of skin rash that causes scaly, discoloured patches on chest, back, legs and arms).
• The fungal cell membranes are essential for their survival as they prevent the entry of unwanted substances into the cells and stop the leakage of cell contents.
• Ketoconazole Cream destroys the fungal cell membranes and kills fungi. Thereby, clears fungal infections and provides relief from cracking, burning, scaling, and itching of the skin caused due to infections.

Directions For Use

• Wash and dry the infected area of the skin.
• Take a small amount of cream/gel/lotion on the finger and gently rub on the clean and dry affected area and surrounding skin.
• It is only for external use.
• Avoid contact of cream/gel/lotion with the nose, mouth, or eyes.
• In case it comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.
• Wash your hands before and after using cream/gel/lotion if hands are not the affected area to prevent the spread of infection.
• Do not wash the treated areas for a minimum of 3 hours after you apply it.

Storage

• Keep it away from sunlight.
• Keep Ketoconazole Cream out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool and dry place.

Precautions

• It is a Category C pregnancy drug and is given to a pregnant woman only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
• This cream is recommended for breastfeeding mothers only if needed. However, if it is applied to the breast, care should be taken to avoid accidental ingestion by the baby.
• Cream should be used in children only if advised by the doctor. Cream/gel is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
• This medicine could make your skin sensitive to the sunlight and cause sunburn more quickly, so try to avoid direct exposure to the sunlight.

Side Effects

• Dry skin
• Itching
• Redness
• Burning sensation at the application site

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does it cause skin reactions?

Yes, this cream may cause skin reactions such as contact dermatitis (red, itchy skin rash caused by direct contact with a certain substance) as it may contain stearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol responsible for causing such skin reactions. However, if the irritation worsens or persists, please consult a doctor.

Can I apply makeup after using it?

You are recommended to apply makeup or sunscreen to the treated area of the skin after a minimum of 20 minutes of using this cream.

How long should I use this medicine?

You are recommended to use it for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the condition worsens or persists after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment with this cream, please consult a doctor.

Can I stop using it on my own?

You are not recommended to stop using this medicine without consulting your doctor as it may cause recurring infections. Therefore, use it for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while using this medicine, please consult your doctor.