From the FDA Drug Label
Seborrheic dermatitis: Ketoconazole Cream 2% should be applied to the affected area twice daily for four weeks or until clinical clearing. Mode of Action:In vitro studies suggest that ketoconazole impairs the synthesis of ergosterol, which is a vital component of fungal cell membranes. It is postulated that the therapeutic effect of ketoconazole in seborrheic dermatitis is due to the reduction of M. ovale, but this has not yet been proven.
Ketoconazole (Nizoral) may be effective for treating seborrheic dermatitis of the facial hair, characterized by flaky or dry skin, as it is postulated to reduce M. ovale, a yeast that may be involved in the condition. The recommended treatment is to apply Ketoconazole Cream 2% to the affected area twice daily for four weeks or until clinical clearing 1. However, it is essential to note that the therapeutic effect of ketoconazole in seborrheic dermatitis has not yet been proven 1.
From the Research
Ketoconazole (Nizoral) is an effective treatment for seborrheic dermatitis of the facial hair, characterized by flaky or dry skin, as it targets the underlying fungal cause of the condition. According to the most recent and highest quality study 2, seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder that can be managed with topical antifungals such as ketoconazole. The study suggests that ketoconazole can be used to treat mild-to-moderate facial or body areas seborrheic dermatitis.
When using ketoconazole for facial hair application, it is recommended to use the 1% or 2% formulation, applying it to the affected area, leaving it on for 3-5 minutes, then rinsing thoroughly. This can be done 2-3 times weekly for 2-4 weeks. However, if the facial hair dryness is simply due to dry skin rather than fungal issues, ketoconazole might actually worsen the problem by being too drying. In that case, moisturizing beard oils or conditioners would be more appropriate.
Some key points to consider when using ketoconazole for seborrheic dermatitis include:
- Ketoconazole interferes with the fungal synthesis of ergosterol, a constituent of cell membranes, and has other antifungal effects 3
- New foam and gel formulations of ketoconazole have been developed for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, which are effective against superficial fungal and yeast infections 3
- Ketoconazole gel 2% has been shown to be an effective treatment for moderate to severe seborrheic dermatitis, with a significant proportion of subjects achieving effective treatment compared to a vehicle gel 4
It is essential to note that if you are unsure about the cause of your flaky facial hair, it is best to consult with a dermatologist for proper diagnosis before starting treatment, as persistent flaking could indicate other skin conditions requiring different treatments.