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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Hair Loss A Common Side Effect Of Ketoconazole And Coal Tar Lotion?

I used ketoconazole + coal tar lotion once as prescribed by my dermatologist as i had complained about dandruff and hair loss. I used a mild shampoo and washed my hair and applied this lotion and let it for 5 mins and washed it off after 5mins as prescribed. I felt like i had more hair loss after using this lotion for my scalp. Is this a common side effect of this lotion ? please help. Getting scared after seeing the amount of hair lost
Wed, 27 Feb 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Ketoconazole shampoo is an antifungal medication. Common side effects with its use include: mild skin itching or irritation, dry skin, abnormal hair texture, scalp pustules, oiliness and dryness of hair and scalp. Only in rare cases, ketoconazole shampoo can result in hair loss.

Coal tar shampoo is keratolytic. It works by slowing bacterial growth and loosening and softening scales and crust. Common side effects of coal tar shampoo include: itching, burning, redness, staining of skin or hair and sensitivity to sunlight. Its use is not known to be associated with hair loss.

Hence, your hair loss problem could be due to some other cause, which needs to be determined. Kindly consult Dermatologist for clinical evaluation and appropriate management.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ashakiran S, General & Family Physician
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Is Hair Loss A Common Side Effect Of Ketoconazole And Coal Tar Lotion?

Hi, Ketoconazole shampoo is an antifungal medication. Common side effects with its use include: mild skin itching or irritation, dry skin, abnormal hair texture, scalp pustules, oiliness and dryness of hair and scalp. Only in rare cases, ketoconazole shampoo can result in hair loss. Coal tar shampoo is keratolytic. It works by slowing bacterial growth and loosening and softening scales and crust. Common side effects of coal tar shampoo include: itching, burning, redness, staining of skin or hair and sensitivity to sunlight. Its use is not known to be associated with hair loss. Hence, your hair loss problem could be due to some other cause, which needs to be determined. Kindly consult Dermatologist for clinical evaluation and appropriate management. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ashakiran S, General & Family Physician