Over-the-counter ketoconazole cream 2% is an antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal skin infections. It is effective against conditions such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and seborrheic dermatitis. The cream works by inhibiting the growth of fungi, providing relief from itching, redness, and scaling associated with these infections.
Its popularity stems from its efficacy, ease of application, and availability without a prescription.
Clean and thoroughly dry the area to be treated. Apply the cream to the affected skin and the immediate surrounding area. Use the cream once daily.
Continue this treatment for 2 weeks. Do not apply more often than prescribed.
Ketoconazole cream 2% is highly effective in treating a variety of fungal infections, including athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and seborrheic dermatitis. It works by inhibiting the growth of fungi, which helps to clear up the infection and relieve symptoms such as itching, redness, and scaling. Additionally, it is easy to apply and generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
Common side effects: itching, stinging, burning, irritation, redness, dryness, or peeling of the treated skin.
Less common side effects: swelling, acne, headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or abnormal liver function tests.
Serious side effects: allergic reactions (rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), blistering, crusting, or bleeding of the treated skin.
What to do if side effects occur:
Mild side effects: Discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
Serious side effects: Seek immediate medical attention.
Do not take by mouth. Wash your hands before and after use. If you are treating your hands, only wash your hands before use.
Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Do not get this medication in your eyes. If you do, rinse it out with plenty of cool tap water.
This medicine may be flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame, or while smoking. Avoid heat or smoking until the medicine has completely dried on your skin.
Ketoconazole shampoo is not for daily use. Allow at least 3 days to pass between uses.
Ketoconazole cream 2% can often be found at local pharmacies or drugstores, such as CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid in the United States, or Boots and LloydsPharmacy in the UK. It’s also available through online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and various online pharmacies.
Before buying, check if the seller is reputable, look at product reviews, and compare prices across different platforms. If you’re buying online, ensure the product is sealed and has an expiration date that’s not soon.
Sometimes, pharmacies might offer generic versions which can be less expensive but equally effective.
Over-the-counter ketoconazole cream 2% is an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal skin infections, including athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and seborrheic dermatitis.
It works by inhibiting the growth of fungi, providing relief from itching, redness, and scaling associated with these infections.
The cream is easy to apply and generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. Common side effects include:
Serious side effects such as allergic reactions, blistering, crusting, or bleeding of the treated skin require immediate medical attention.
To use ketoconazole cream 2%, clean and dry the affected area, apply a thin layer once daily for 2 weeks, and avoid applying more often than prescribed.
The cream is available over-the-counter at local pharmacies, online retailers, and can be found in generic versions which are less expensive but equally effective.