About ketoconazole

Some types of fungal germs (fungi) are commonly found on human skin. They usually do no harm. However, if the conditions are right they can 'invade' the skin, multiply and cause infection. The conditions fungi like best are warm, moist and airless areas of skin.

The most common fungi to cause skin infections are the tinea group of fungi. Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection of the toes and feet. Tinea cruris is a fungal infection which affects the groin area. A common fungal infection which affects the vagina is called thrush. This is caused by an overgrowth of candida which is a yeast (also a type of fungus).

Ketoconazole is an antifungal medicine which is applied to the skin as a cream. It works by killing the fungus causing the infection. It is available on prescription, and you can also buy some brands without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets.

To make sure that this is the right treatment for you, before you start using ketoconazole cream it is important that you speak with a doctor or pharmacist for advice if:

• You are taking any medicines or using other medicated skin creams. This includes any which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only use medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.

• You have ever had an allergic reaction to an antifungal medicine, or to any other skin product.

• Before you start using the cream, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about the cream, and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from using it.

• Apply the cream once or twice every day to the affected area. Please note: you should use it regularly twice a day if you are treating athlete's foot.

• Wash and dry the affected area and then rub a thin layer of cream on - make sure the area is completely dry before you apply the cream. Remember to wash your hands after applying the cream so that the infection doesn't spread to other areas of your skin, or to other people.

• Continue to use the cream until all signs of the infection are gone, and then for a further 2-3 days afterwards to make sure that the infection doesn't return.

• To reduce the chance of passing on the fungus to others, always use a separate towel to other people until your infection has cleared up. Wash your towels frequently.

• Athlete's foot usually clears up within a week of regular (twice daily) treatment. If there are no signs of improvement after this time, you should make an appointment to see your doctor for further advice.

• Infections affecting the groin and genital area may take up to six weeks of treatment for the infection to completely go. If after four weeks of regular treatment your symptoms are showing no sign of getting better, please make an appointment to see your doctor for further advice.

• Infections affecting other areas of skin can take up to 3-4 weeks of treatment for the infection to go.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with ketoconazole cream. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the cream, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

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