Ketoconazole cream IP (commonly 2% weight/weight) is a topical imidazole antifungal medication used to treat fungal and yeast skin infections. (“IP“ stands for Indian Pharmacopoeia, indicating the medicine meets official Indian quality standards.) Primary Uses Ketoconazole cream stops the growth of fungi and yeasts by damaging their cell membranes. It is prescribed for: • Ringworm (Tinea corporis): Fungal skin infections causing circular, red, itchy patches. • Jock Itch (Tinea cruris): Fungal infections affecting the groin and inner thighs. • Athlete's Foot (Tinea pedis): Fungal infections between the toes and on the feet. • Cutaneous Candidiasis: Yeast infections on the skin caused by Candida species. • Tinea (Pityriasis) Versicolor: A fungal infection that results in discolored, scaly patches (lighter or darker) on the chest, back, or arms. • Seborrheic Dermatitis: An inflammatory skin condition causing red, oily, itchy, and flaky patches on the face, scalp, or other areas. How to Use • Application: Clean and completely dry the affected area before applying a thin film of the cream to the site and the immediate surrounding skin. • Frequency & Duration: Usually applied once or twice daily. Treatment duration varies by condition—typically around 2 weeks for ringworm or jock itch, up to 4 weeks for seborrheic dermatitis, and up to 6 weeks for athlete's foot. • Completion: Always finish the full course recommended by your doctor or pharmacist, even if the skin symptoms clear up earlier. Common Side Effects • Mild local skin irritation, burning, stinging, redness, or itching at the application site. Note: Ketoconazole cream is a prescription-strength topical medication in most regions. Consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist via resources like 1mg for proper diagnosis and usage instructions tailored to your condition.