Nizoral

What is Nizoral?

Nizoral cream and shampoo contain a medicine called ketoconazole, which is an antifungal treatment. It’s used to treat various fungal infections like tinea (pityriasis) versicolor, athlete’s foot, jock itch and dandruff. It helps to get rid of the infection and prevent it from coming back.

Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin. It’s caused by a type of fungus (yeast) which already lives on the skin of most people, called Malassezia^[1]
—also associated with dandruff, eczema and other skin conditions. This condition typically affects the upper body, including the chest, back, shoulders and upper arms.

Tinea versicolor appears as dry, flaky or scaly patches on the skin that can be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. These patches may be pink, red, tan or brown and can sometimes be itchy. It’s not contagious but can come back or persist if left untreated.^[2]

How does Nizoral work?

Ketoconazole, the active ingredient in Nizoral, is part of a group of antifungal medicines called imidazoles. It works by reducing the fungi’s ability to make ergosterol, which is important for the integrity of their membranes. Without this sterol, the fungal cell membrane becomes weak and unstable. This leads to the disruption of crucial cellular functions and eventually results in the fungus dying.^[3]

How to use Nizoral for tinea versicolor

Always follow your clinician’s instructions when using Nizoral. If you’re unsure, ask your clinician for advice.

For Nizoral shampoo:

1. Wet your hair and scalp with water.
2. Apply the shampoo to the affected area of your skin and the surrounding area.
3. Make a good lather and leave it on for 5 minutes.
4. Rinse your hair and scalp well with warm water, then dry your hair.

For Nizoral cream:

1. Wash the affected skin and dry it well.
2. Use the cap to pierce the seal.
3. Wash your hands before each application.
4. Gently rub the cream into the affected area and the surrounding skin using your fingers.
5. Avoid getting cream in your eyes.

After using the cream, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water (unless the affected skin is on your hands). This prevents spreading the infection to other parts of your body or to others.

Don’t share your towel with others to avoid transmitting the infection. Wash and change clothing that comes in contact with the affected skin patches regularly. Nizoral cream isn’t greasy, so shouldn’t stain your clothes.

Are there different forms of Nizoral?

Nizoral cream and shampoo are both only available in one strength: 2% ketoconazole. This means that each gram of either the shampoo or the cream contains 20mg of ketoconazole.

If you’re unsure which product is right for you, talk to our clinician. They’ll also provide instructions on how often to apply it based on your symptoms and the severity of your condition. Typically you’ll use the shampoo once a day for up to five days, and the cream once or twice a day for 2-3 weeks.