Ketoconazole cream: If you are using ketoconazole cream, you should apply it to the affected area once or twice a day, depending on your doctor’s recommendations. Be sure to cover the entire affected area and rub in the cream gently. Do not use an airtight covering over the medicine to avoid irritating your skin.
Ketoconazole foam: If you are using ketoconazole foam, wash your hands and then spray the foam into the cap of the medicine can (spraying directly onto the skin will cause the foam to melt right away). Dip your fingertip into the foam and apply gently to affected areas until it disappears. Wash your hands after use. This should be repeated as many times as your doctor advises.
Ketoconazole gel: If you are using ketoconazole gel, wash your hands and then apply it to the affected area of the skin and the surrounding area. Wait for at least 3 hours before washing the gel off, and repeat once a day for 2 weeks.
Ketoconazole shampoo: If you are using ketoconazole 1% shampoo, you should wet your hair and scalp, work the shampoo into a lather, and massage it over your entire scalp. Rinse your hair with warm water, repeat, and then rinse your hair a final time. You should use it every 3 or 4 days for up to 8 weeks, and then as needed to keep dandruff under control.
If you are using ketoconazole 2% shampoo, you should wet your hair and scalp, work the shampoo into a lather, and massage it over your entire scalp. Let it soak in for 5 minutes, then rinse your hair with warm water. This shampoo generally only needs to be used once.
Continue to apply your ketoconazole until the treatment is complete, even if your infection has cleared up. If you stop treatment before it is over, the infection can return.
Ketoconazole should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.