Ketoconazole cream is a topical prescription medication indicated to treat fungal or yeast infections, such as athlete's foot or skin yeast infections. This topical cream is part of a class of medications called imidazoles and works by inhibiting the growth of infectious pathogens. Ketoconazole cream is applied directly to the site of infection and should only be utilized as directed by a doctor. Discuss ketoconazole cream side effects with a pharmacist or doctor before beginning treatment with this medication.
Application Site Reaction
Treatment with ketoconazole cream can cause an application site reaction in certain patients. Following application of this medication to the infected skin, patients can experience unusual sensations of burning, stinging, tingling, warmth or pain, explains Medline Plus, a medical information website established by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. The skin may also appear red, irritated or inflamed. These application site reactions caused by ketoconazole cream are temporary and may subside with continued use of this medication. Severe skin reactions, such as the appearance of peeling or blisters, should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Nail Discoloration
Use of ketoconazole cream can cause minor fingernail or toenail discoloration, report doctors at The Mayo Clinic. The nails may appear unusually yellow or white after coming in contact with this cream. These side effects are typically temporary and should resolve once treatment with ketoconazole cream ends.
Eye Irritation
Certain patients may experience eye irritation as a side effect of ketoconazole cream use. The eyes of affected patients may become unusually dry or irritated and can appear red or swollen. As a result of this irritation, the affected eye may begin to tear or water. Eye irritation may also lead to temporary vision changes, such as blurred or cloudy vision, which may affect a patient's ability to see normally.
Dry or Itching Skin
Dry or itchy patches of skin can appear across the body of certain patients as a side effect of treatment. Patients may notice that skin appears unusually dry or flaky and itches profusely. Certain patients may also develop pus-filled skin lesions--called acne--across treated skin regions. These side effects can be uncomfortable but resolve once treatment with ketoconazole cream is completed.
Allergic Reaction
Rarely, an allergic reaction may occur in certain patients as a side effect of treatment with this topical cream, warn health officials at Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed informational website for consumers. Severe allergic reaction symptoms can include hives or difficulty breathing and require immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications.
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