{"id":12548,"date":"2026-04-16T14:00:34","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T05:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/blog\/nizoral-ketoconazole-ointment-only-effective-for-these-fungal-infections\/"},"modified":"2026-07-09T11:59:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T02:59:13","slug":"nizoral-ketoconazole-ointment-only-effective-for-these-fungal-infections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/blog\/nizoral-ketoconazole-ointment-only-effective-for-these-fungal-infections\/","title":{"rendered":"Nizoral, Ketoconazole Ointment | Only Effective for These Fungal Infections"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-134ed493 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-0958e68c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When I ask patients who come in with chronic dermatitis what medications they have tried, many mention <a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/nizoral\/\">Nizoral<\/a> and ketoconazole ointment. Strictly speaking, it is \u201cketoconazole cream,\u201d but since many people call it \u201cketoconazole ointment,\u201d I have used that term here for convenience as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is true that Nizoral and ketoconazole ointment can help with seborrheic dermatitis, but some people still use these two products even when better options are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, even among fungal infections, I have organized when these two products work well and when other products are a better choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"572\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nizoral-ketoconazole-lamisil-final.jpg\" alt=\"A real-life product photo of three antifungals&#x2014;Nizoral shampoo, Dex ketoconazole cream, and Lamisil cream&#x2014;placed side by side on a pure white background. Comparison image of topical treatments for cutaneous fungal infections. \" class=\"wp-image-10852\" style=\"width:1024px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block has-custom-color-5-color has-custom-color-2-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-c475230205ce485da2e4684d5c08b5ec\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);padding-left:0\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>\ubaa9\ucc28<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#sec-1\">Three Types of Fungi That Cause Skin Problems<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#sec-2\">How Antifungals Kill Fungi<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#sec-3\">Which Antifungal to Use for Which Fungus<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#sec-faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sec-1\">Three Types of Fungi That Cause Skin Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the clinic, the fungi we see broadly fall into three types. Each has different food sources and habitats, and different susceptibility to antifungals.<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30127244\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fungi are classified by how they grow: filamentous <strong>dermatophytes<\/strong> that grow like threads, and single-celled, round-growing <strong>yeasts<\/strong>. The dermatophytes that cause athlete\u2019s foot belong to the filamentous group, while Malassezia and Candida belong to the yeast group. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dermatophytes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are fungi that use keratin as a nutrient source. They invade keratin-rich tissues such as the stratum corneum, nails, and hair, and athlete\u2019s foot, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea capitis, and onychomycosis are all dermatophyte infections. They are also the most common type of superficial fungal infection worldwide.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dermatophyte-skin-presentations-EN.jpeg\" alt=\"Three Typical Skin Presentations of Dermatophyte Infection &#x2014; Athlete&#x2019;s Foot, Ringworm, Onychomycosis\" class=\"wp-image-10649\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Malassezia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a yeast that feeds on sebum. It is present on normal skin, but when it overgrows, it causes <a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/seborrheic-dermatitis\/\">seborrheic dermatitis<\/a> or tinea versicolor. It mainly affects areas with high sebum production, such as the scalp, the facial T-zone, the chest, and the back.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/malassezia-skin-presentations-EN.jpeg\" alt=\"Malassezia Infections That Respond Well to Nizoral &#x2014; Three Presentations: Seborrheic Dermatitis, Tinea Versicolor, Folliculitis\" class=\"wp-image-10650\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Candida<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a yeast that proliferates in warm, humid environments. It causes cutaneous candidiasis in skin folds such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts,<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40643642\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2<\/a><\/sup> and is more common in infants wearing diapers and in people with weakened immunity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/candida-skin-presentations-EN.jpeg\" alt=\"Three Typical Skin Presentations of Candida Infection &#x2014; Intertrigo, Angular Cheilitis, Chronic Paronychia\" class=\"wp-image-10651\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sec-2\">How Antifungals Kill Fungi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main target of antifungals is <strong>ergosterol<\/strong>, a key component of the fungal cell membrane. Each drug class attacks ergosterol differently, so the range of fungi it is effective against also differs.<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30127244\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/antifungal-mechanisms-overview-EN.jpeg\" alt=\"Overview of the Four Antifungal Classes &#x2014; Comparing azoles (including Nizoral and ketoconazole ointment), allylamines, polyenes, and ciclopirox\" class=\"wp-image-10663\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Azoles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They inhibit lanosterol 14\u03b1-demethylase, reducing ergosterol synthesis. As the cell membrane becomes unstable, fungal growth stops, but the fungus is not killed directly\u2014these are fungistatic agents. Complete clearance is left to the immune system.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because they have a broad spectrum, they are effective against all three: dermatophytes, Malassezia, and Candida. In particular, they have the strongest evidence for Malassezia.<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25933684\/\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color: inherit;\" rel=\"noopener\">3<\/a><\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Representative products include Nizoral solution (ketoconazole), ketoconazole ointment (ketoconazole), Jublia topical solution (efinaconazole), and Canesten cream (clotrimazole). All four are topical agents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/antifungal-azole-mechanism-EN.jpeg\" alt=\"Mechanism of Ketoconazole Ointment &#x2014; Blocking 14&#x3B1;-demethylase to inhibit fungal ergosterol synthesis\" class=\"wp-image-10664\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Allylamines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like azoles, they block ergosterol synthesis, but they inhibit squalene epoxidase, which is an earlier step than the enzyme targeted by azoles. As a result, unused squalene accumulates in the cell, and this itself is toxic to fungal cells. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because ergosterol reduction and squalene toxicity act together, allylamines are <strong>fungicidal agents<\/strong> that directly kill fungi. In an analysis combining multiple clinical trials, the cure rate of allylamines was 70%, higher than 47% for azoles.<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17636672\/\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color: inherit;\" rel=\"noopener\">4<\/a><\/sup> Thanks to their fungicidal action, treatment tends to be shorter and recurrence rates tend to be lower. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, allylamines are drugs specialized for dermatophytes. Their effect against Malassezia or Candida is limited, so azoles are more suitable for yeast infections.<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27502503\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">5<\/a><\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Representative products include the topical Lamisil cream (terbinafine) and the oral Lamisil tablet (terbinafine).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/antifungal-allylamine-mechanism-EN.jpeg\" alt=\"Mechanism of Allylamine Antifungals &#x2014; Directly killing fungi through squalene accumulation and reduced ergosterol\" class=\"wp-image-10665\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Polyenes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They do not interfere with synthesis; instead, they bind directly to ergosterol that has already been made. This creates physical holes in the cell membrane, causing contents to leak out and the fungus to lyse.<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30127244\/\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color: inherit;\" rel=\"noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup> They work well for Candida but not for dermatophytes, so they are mainly used for cutaneous candidiasis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A representative product is Mycostatin ointment (nystatin).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/antifungal-polyene-mechanism-EN.jpeg\" alt=\"Mechanism of Polyene Antifungals &#x2014; Binding directly to ergosterol to create pores in the cell membrane\" class=\"wp-image-10666\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ciclopirox<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its mechanism differs from the three classes above. It chelates metal ions such as iron, disrupting fungal mitochondrial function and nutrient transport. Because it bypasses the ergosterol pathway, it is the <strong>broadest-spectrum antifungal<\/strong>. It covers dermatophytes, Candida, and Malassezia, and there are reports that it is effective even against azole-resistant Candida species.<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31334080\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">6<\/a><\/sup>   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A representative product is Loprox gel (ciclopirox).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/antifungal-ciclopirox-mechanism-fixed-EN.jpeg\" alt=\"Mechanism of Ciclopirox Antifungals &#x2014; Blocking mitochondrial function through metal-ion chelation\" class=\"wp-image-10674\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sec-3\">Which Antifungal to Use for Which Fungus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dermatophytes (Athlete\u2019s Foot, Tinea Corporis, Tinea Cruris) | Allylamines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For dermatophyte infections, the first-line option is a topical terbinafine (an allylamine), such as Lamisil cream. Thanks to its fungicidal action, it has a higher cure rate and tends to have fewer recurrences than azoles.<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17636672\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">4<\/a>,<a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27502503\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">5<\/a><\/sup> The standard regimen is application 1\u20132 times daily for 2\u20134 weeks. Even after symptoms resolve, continuing for an additional 1\u20132 weeks helps eliminate remaining fungi.<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30127244\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the affected area is extensive or does not respond to topical treatment, oral terbinafine (Lamisil tablet) 250 mg is taken for 1\u20132 weeks. For onychomycosis as well, oral therapy has the highest cure rate, but if liver function is poor or drug interactions are a concern, applying Jublia (efinaconazole 10% topical solution) is also an option. Because it penetrates the nail well, cure rates have improved meaningfully compared with older topical agents. Dermatophytes with reduced response to terbinafine have been reported in some regions recently, but they are still uncommon in Korea.<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/41417273\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">7<\/a><\/sup>   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Malassezia (Seborrheic Dermatitis, Tinea Versicolor) | Azoles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Malassezia-related conditions, topical ketoconazole (an azole)\u2014such as Nizoral and ketoconazole cream\u2014has the strongest evidence. In an analysis combining multiple clinical trials (12 studies, 3,253 participants), it showed a 31% higher improvement rate than placebo, meaning that treating five people leads to one person showing clear improvement.<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25933684\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3<\/a><\/sup> Ciclopirox (Loprox gel) shows a similar level of efficacy.<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25933684\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3<\/a><\/sup> Nizoral is the most commonly used topical ketoconazole product in Korea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Candida | Azoles, Polyenes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Candida infections, apply a topical clotrimazole (an azole), such as Canesten cream, or a topical nystatin (a polyene), such as Mycostatin ointment, for 2 weeks.<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40643642\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2<\/a><\/sup> Since improving the moist environment itself is key to preventing recurrence, keeping the area dry and wearing breathable clothing is as important as medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a summary table of the representative products by active ingredient discussed above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Product Name<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Main Indications<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Category<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Over-the-Counter<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Active Ingredient<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Class<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Nizoral<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Seborrheic Dermatitis, Tinea Versicolor, Dandruff<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Topical<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Available<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Ketoconazole<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Azoles<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Canesten Cream<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Athlete\u2019s Foot, Candida<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Topical<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Available<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Clotrimazole<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Azoles<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Lamisil Cream<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Athlete\u2019s Foot, Tinea<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Topical<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Available<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Terbinafine<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Allylamines<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Loprox Gel<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Interdigital Tinea Pedis, Seborrheic Dermatitis<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Topical<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Available<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Ciclopirox<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Ciclopirox<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Mycostatin<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Cutaneous Candidiasis<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Topical<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Available<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Nystatin<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Polyenes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Jublia<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Onychomycosis<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Topical<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Prescription Required<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Efinaconazole<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Azoles<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Lamisil Tablet<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Onychomycosis, Extensive Tinea<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Oral<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Prescription Required<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Terbinafine<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Allylamines<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Sporanox<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Onychomycosis, Tinea Corporis<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Oral<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Prescription Required<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Itraconazole<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Azoles<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Diflucan<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Candidiasis, Tinea Versicolor<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Oral<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Prescription Required<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fluconazole<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Azoles<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each antifungal works best against different fungi. Therefore, confirming the causative fungus and choosing an antifungal accordingly is the first step in treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list has-custom-color-5-color has-text-color has-link-color has-superbfont-xxsmall-font-size wp-elements-7eb65dc8b4ab6b1a6c08e63deebc9e65\">\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30127244\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Hay R. Therapy of Skin, Hair and Nail Fungal Infections. J Fungi (Basel). 2018;4(3):99.  <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40643642\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>M\u00fcller VL, Kreuter A, Uhrla\u00df S. Relevant aspects of Candida species in dermatology: An overview. Dermatologie (Heidelb). 2025;76(9):544-550.  <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25933684\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Okokon EO, Verbeek JH, Ruotsalainen JH, et al. Topical antifungals for seborrhoeic dermatitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(5):CD008138.<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17636672\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Crawford F, Hollis S. Topical treatments for fungal infections of the skin and nails of the foot. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;(3):CD001434.<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27502503\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Gupta AK, Foley KA, Versteeg SG. New Antifungal Agents and New Formulations Against Dermatophytes. Mycopathologia. 2017;182(1-2):127-141.   <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31334080\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Sonthalia S, Agrawal M, Sehgal VN. Topical Ciclopirox Olamine 1%: Revisiting a Unique Antifungal. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2019;10(4):481-485.  <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/41417273\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Gupta AK, Wang T, Piguet V. Recalcitrant dermatophytosis: clinicomycological features and challenges in management. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2025;26(18):1985-1996.  <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-style-superbaddons-card has-custom-color-2-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:16px;border-top-right-radius:16px;border-bottom-left-radius:16px;border-bottom-right-radius:16px\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-custom-color-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fec4206f5af5888537ae11aefd49af22\" id=\"sec-faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-color-5-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-color-5-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall)\"\/>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-1\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I use athlete\u2019s foot medication for seborrheic dermatitis?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Terbinafine, a key ingredient in athlete\u2019s foot medications, is a fungicidal agent specialized for dermatophytes. Its effect against Malassezia, the cause of <a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/seborrheic-dermatitis\/\">seborrheic dermatitis<\/a>, is limited, so it is better to choose an ingredient that is effective against Malassezia, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/nizoral\/\">ketoconazole<\/a> or ciclopirox.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-2\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long should I apply an antifungal ointment?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>In general, athlete\u2019s foot or tinea is treated for 2\u20134 weeks, tinea versicolor for 2\u20133 weeks, and cutaneous candidiasis for 2 weeks. Even if symptoms disappear, completing the prescribed duration helps reduce recurrence. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-3\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can antifungals also develop resistance?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Dermatophytes that do not respond to terbinafine have been reported in some regions recently. They are still uncommon in Korea, but using antifungals at an appropriate dose and for an appropriate duration is the foundation of preventing resistance. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-custom-color-2-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ffa602f6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:16px;border-top-right-radius:16px;border-bottom-left-radius:16px;border-bottom-right-radius:16px;padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8c970b27 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\" style=\"margin-right:0;margin-left:0\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/doctor-han-namecard-profile.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3537\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small);flex-basis:60%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-dec8e639 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<p class=\"has-custom-color-3-color has-text-color has-link-color has-superbfont-large-font-size wp-elements-9a43ded5a855c918bdce811724da93c4 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">We treat atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis.<br\/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-custom-color-5-color has-text-color has-link-color has-superbfont-small-font-size wp-elements-b0ed9896cd87c4dc29ef35753e45458c wp-block-paragraph\">Thanks to the valuable reviews you have shared in the community, many of you visit us even from far away.<br\/>We will repay you with sincere, attentive care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-color-6-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-color-6-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-e1e686a6 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-19afc361 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-custom-color-3-color has-text-color has-link-color has-superbfont-small-font-size wp-elements-5046f5cbf2504632740a9221c469d447 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DK Han<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-custom-color-5-color has-text-color has-link-color has-superbfont-xsmall-font-size wp-elements-f628b1a898e0079d43059baed3da5249 wp-block-paragraph\">Chief Director, MIRAGEN Clinic<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-custom-color-5-color has-text-color has-link-color has-superbfont-xsmall-font-size wp-elements-0a159b55280bf6519f7c0f2e7a7ab305 wp-block-paragraph\">Graduate of University of Michigan, Ross School of Business<br\/>Graduate of Chungnam National University School of Medicine<br\/>(Former) Representative Director of Ewha Phoenix Rehabilitation Hospital<br\/>(Current) Representative Director of MIRAGEN Clinic<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When I ask patients who come in with chronic dermatitis what medications they have tried, many mention Nizoral and ketoconazole ointment. Strictly speaking, it is \u201cketoconazole cream,\u201d but since many people call it \u201cketoconazole ointment,\u201d I have used that term here for convenience as well. It is true that Nizoral and ketoconazole ointment can help [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12549,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_miragen_jsonld":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12548","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12548","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12548"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12548\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12748,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12548\/revisions\/12748"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12549"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12548"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12548"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12548"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}