Hair loss can be a traumatic experience for men, women and children. Nizoral, the brand name for a medication called ketoconazole, can be used to treat hair loss. It is available in both an over-the-counter and stronger prescription strength form. To properly treat hair loss and encourage new hair growth, it is important to understand how Nizoral works.
Features
Nizoral is a cream that is used to treat fungal and yeast infections. Besides being used for hair loss, the Mayo Clinic notes that Nizoral is also recommended for ringworm of the body and groin, seborrheic dermatitis, skin yeast infections, dandruff and sun fungus. It comes in a variety of forms including foam, shampoo, cream and jelly. It comes in both 1-percent over-the-counter and 2-percent prescription-strength formulas.
How it Works
According to the American Hair Loss Association, Nizoral can help reduce hair loss and encourage new hair growth. It works by reducing the amount of sex hormones, such as androgens and testosterone, created by the reproductive organs. Because an increase and fluctuations of these hormones can trigger hair loss, Nizoral can be beneficial. Although it can be used alone, it is often combined with other hair loss medications or treatment options.
How to Use
To use Nizoral, the U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests beginning by wetting the scalp or area of application. The shampoo should then be rubbed into the scalp and surrounding areas until a rich lather forms. The shampoo should be left on for approximately 5 minutes then rinsed off with warm water. If using an over-the-counter shampoo, it must be reapplied a second time and then rinsed off again after about 5 minutes.
Tips
If using a foam shampoo form of Nizoral, a woman should be sure to spray it onto a cool surface or into the cap of the shampoo bottle before applying. The Mayo Clinic explains that this is because the foam can melt quickly as soon as it touches skin. She should just use her fingertips to gradually apply the medication to her scalp and rub it in until it disappears.
Warnings
The U.S. National Library of Medicine warns that Nizoral can cause mild side effects. These include scalp blisters, itchiness, hair texture changes, dryness, burning and irritation. These symptoms will generally disappear as the body adjusts to the medication. However, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if side effects worsen, do not go away or are accompanied by hives, breathing difficulty or pain at the application site.
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