If your skin problem does not improve within:

• 2 weeks for cutaneous candidiasis, pityriasis versicolor, tinea corporis, or tinea cruris;
• 4 weeks for seborrheic dermatitis; or
• 4 to 6 weeks for tinea pedis;

For patients using the cream form of NIZORAL:

• To help clear up your infection completely and to help make sure it does not return, good health habits are also required .
• For patients using ketoconazole cream for athlete's foot (tinea pedis; ringworm of the foot), the following instructions will help keep the feet cool and dry.
  • Avoid wearing socks made from wool or synthetic materials (for example, rayon or nylon). Instead, wear clean, cotton socks and change them daily or more often if your feet sweat a lot.
  • Wear sandals or well-ventilated shoes (for examples, shoes with holes).
  • Use a bland, absorbent powder (for example, talcum powder) or an antifungal powder between the toes, on the feet, and in socks and shoes one or two times a day. It is best to use the powder between the times you use ketoconazole cream.If you have any questions about these instructions, check with your health care professional.
• For patients using ketoconazole cream for ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris; jock itch), the following instructions will help reduce chafing and irritation and will also help keep the groin area cool and dry.
  • Avoid wearing underwear that is tight-fitting or made from synthetic materials (for example, rayon or nylon). Instead, wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear.
  • Use a bland, absorbent powder (for example, talcum powder) or an antifungal powder on the skin. It is best to use the powder between the times you use ketoconazole cream.If you have any questions about these instructions, check with your health care professional.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Less common—For cream or shampoo
  • Itching, stinging, or irritation not present before use of NIZORAL 
  
  

• Rare—For cream
  • Skin rash 
  
  

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• Less common—For shampoo
  • Dry skin;  dryness or oiliness of the hair and scalp 
  
  

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.