✅ What it is & what it does
-
Nizoral 2% is a medicated shampoo whose active ingredient is Ketoconazole (2% w/w).
-
It is used mainly to treat dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis by targeting the fungus (especially Malassezia) that tends to overgrow on the scalp and cause flaking, scaling, itching and irritation.
-
The ketoconazole works by disrupting fungal cell membranes (inhibiting ergosterol synthesis), which kills or reduces the fungus — thereby tackling the root cause rather than just masking symptoms.
🧴 How to Use
Typical usage guidelines (for adults and adolescents ≥ 12 years):
-
Wet hair/scalp thoroughly.
-
Apply a small amount of the shampoo and gently massage into the scalp to form a lather.
-
Leave it on the scalp for about 3–5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
-
For active dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis: use twice weekly for 2–4 weeks.
-
For maintenance (after symptoms improve): use once every 1–2 weeks to prevent relapse.
For certain fungal skin infections (e.g. Tinea Versicolor / pityriasis versicolor), it may be used according to medical advice (often once daily for limited days).
🎯 What It’s Good For
-
Persistent scalp dandruff — flakes, itching, scaling.
-
Seborrheic dermatitis.
-
Fungal‑related scalp or skin conditions.
-
Cases where simpler anti‑dandruff shampoos (zinc, selenium‑based) have failed. Because ketoconazole acts antifungally rather than just exfoliating, it may succeed where others fail.
⚠️ Safety & What to Watch Out For
-
Possible side‑effects: scalp irritation, redness, burning or dryness where applied.
-
Not recommended for children under 12 years.
-
Avoid contact with eyes; if shampoo gets in eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
-
If you are using topical corticosteroids for scalp disease, switching to Nizoral should be gradual (over 2–3 weeks) to avoid rebound flare‑ups.
-
Overuse (more frequent than recommended) may increase risk of irritation or dryness.