Discover Nizoral for Hair Loss: Effective Treatment Explained
Category: Medical FAQ
An article published in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) explains that the average human sheds about 100 hair strands daily. Unfortunately, many others shed much, much more. For example, 50 million men and 30 million women in the U.S. suffer from androgenetic alopecia, also called “pattern baldness.”
The same article pointed out that hair loss isn’t just an aesthetic concern. It can also lead to “psychological strife.”
The good news is that there are several ways to approach this problem, one of which is to learn about Nizoral for hair loss.
In this PricePro Pharmacy guide, you’ll learn about Nizoral, its approved uses, and its potential benefits for hair loss.
What Is Nizoral?
Nizoral is the brand-name medication for the antifungal drug ketoconazole. It’s available as a topical cream and an oral tablet.
Nizoral is also available as an anti-dandruff shampoo in two versions. One is the prescription version, which is Nizoral 2% ketoconazole. The second one is an over-the-counter version containing 1% ketoconazole.
What Are the Approved Uses for Nizoral?
Nizoral’s approved uses are primarily for fighting fungal infections of the skin and lungs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Nizoral as an antifungal medication for the following conditions:
- Blastomycosis, also called Gilchrist disease
- Coccidioidomycosis or “Valley fever”
- Histoplasmosis
- Chromomycosis
- Paracoccidioidomycosis
The U.S. FDA also approved Nizoral shampoo for:
- Dandruff
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Rinea versicolor
As you can see, hair loss isn’t part of the approved use list. However, there is some evidence that the ketoconazole in Nizoral may be helpful.
How Can Nizoral for Hair Loss Work, Then?
According to a study published on the NLM database, topical ketoconazole shampoo has shown hair growth-increasing effects in humans and rodents compared with a placebo. In clinical studies, a placebo is a substance with no therapeutic effect and whose sole purpose is as a control measure for testing.
The same NLM study pointed out that ketoconazole shampoo is a “good additive treatment” believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-androgenic effects. Such effects could be behind Nizoral’s potential as a hair regrowth treatment.
Why Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Androgenic Effects Matter in Hair Loss
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), inflammation and hormones are two possible causes of hair loss.
Inflammation can affect scalp health and cause hair loss by destroying the hair follicles. It can result in scar tissue forming in the place of follicles, inhibiting hair growth.
On the other hand, hormones, specifically an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), appear to share a close link to pattern baldness. Androgens are “male” sex hormones produced by both men and women.
Androgens’ Role in Hair Loss
Androgens, including DHT, play many roles, such as bodily changes during puberty or adolescence and regulating sex drive and hair growth. For hair growth, androgens’ primary role is to control its cycle, which consists of:
- Follicle formation
- Continuous growth
- Resting phase
- Shedding
The problem is that androgens (especially in high levels) may overstimulate the follicles. Overstimulation can result in a shorter growth period, leading to shorter, thinner strands. The new hair also takes longer to replace shed hair strands or, in some cases, doesn’t grow.
Researchers believe that Nizoral’s anti-inflammatory and anti-androgenic effects may be helpful as balding or hair-thinning solutions. By helping combat inflammation and androgens, the shampoo may encourage better growth and healthier hair.
Nizoral for Hair Loss Caused by Scalp Infections
Some skin infections, including those affecting the scalp, can lead to hair loss.
A perfect example is tinea capitis, also called “ringworm infection.” According to Gavi.org, it affects around 20% to 25% of people at any given time and can cause symptoms like hair loss, itchiness, rashes, and flaky skin.
Nizoral shampoo may help address those symptoms, including hair loss, while also dealing with the root of the problem (i.e., the fungal infection). It is, after all, primarily an antifungal medication.
Should You Use Nizoral for Hair Loss?
The best person who can answer this is your primary healthcare provider. Depending on the cause of your hair loss, you may not even need hair loss products but would benefit from improving your immunity and minimizing stress. Note that a type of alopecia called telogen effluvium is a common cause of hair loss due to elevated stress levels.
However, if your hair loss and scalp woes are due to a ringworm infection, your doctor may likely prescribe Nizoral shampoo. They’ll likely do the same for other scalp infections (e.g., yeast-caused ones) that may contribute to hair loss.
If you’d like to try ketoconazole for androgenetic alopecia, your doctor can explore ketoconazole benefits with you in more detail. They’ll also discuss your other clinically studied options, such as Rogaine (minoxidil). With their help and guidance, you can make more informed decisions regarding your hair loss treatment.
What About Nizoral as a Hair Loss Prevention?
If you worry about hair loss and want to use Nizoral to prevent it, ask your doctor if you can use it as a “regular” shampoo. The OTC shampoo is often okay to use twice a week as part of a typical hair care routine.
However, while OTC Nizoral can be gentle on most hair types, it could make your hair a bit dry if you have a predisposition. For this reason, it may also be best to use a gentle moisturizing product to keep your locks hydrated. You should also inform your doctor if you experience any unwanted symptoms, such as dryness or itchiness while using this product.
Ready to Try Nizoral With Your Doctor’s Approval?
As you learned in this guide, research has shown that using Nizoral for hair loss may be an effective additive treatment. Just remember that the FDA hasn’t approved it for this specific use. So, please consult your doctor before using it, even if you only plan to try the OTC shampoo.
Once your doctor has given you the green light, consider buying your prescription or OTC medications, including Nizoral, from PricePro Pharmacy. We’re an online pharmacy that aims to help our customers save up to 80% on quality medications.
Speak with us today to learn how to place an order. Don’t forget to ask for your discount code as a first-time buyer!
WORKS CITED:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513312/
- https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/product/nizoral-cream/
- https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/product/nizoral-dandruff-shampoo/
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/nizoral-ketoconazole-information
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/18-causes
- https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/ringworm-fungal-infections-are-common-us-and-are-becoming-increasingly-resistant
- https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/keep-yourself-safe-boost-immunity-to-prevent-illness-now/
- https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/product/rogaine/
- https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/7-tips-for-healthy-hair-nails-and-skin/
- https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/contact-us/
