Can ketoconazole shampoo damage hair follicles?

Question

Can keto harm hair follicles? After getting an HT I stopped using Keto, I started again 2.5 months post-op and the next day I felt mild irritation/burning on my scalp. I saw visible thinning in the Keto areas (as has happened occasionally before) and now 5 months post-op I am not seeing any growth in the recipient areas. The native hairs that fell out grew back right away, those follicles are undamaged but I'm wondering if the Keto can damage the new, more vulnerable transplanted follicles?

Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS · Answer

WhyNot21,While there are many causes of hair transplants not growing, Ketoconazole is very low on that list. I would recommend follow up with your surgeon. Much more likely would be prolonged Sun exposure post surgery, or technical factors of surgery.At only 5 months post surgery I would recommend that you try to relax because it is still very early. Hope that growth will materialize over the next few months!Sincerely,Bernardino A. Arocha, MD

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

No , ketoconazole does not harm to your transplanted follicles .Regrowing hair is thin, undersized and not bright untill 4-5 th months of hair transplant. İt's normal for new growing hair starting to get native characteristics, waviness, curl in first 4-5 months..This actually takes 10-13 months for hair to become full mature , as thick and bright  as native hair.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

No, ketoconazole is not the reason for poor or delayed growth post transplant. Please review other factors with your physician and team.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

I don’t see value in using this shampoo for people who are losing hair. Speak with your doctor further about the matter

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Can ketoconazole shampoo damage hair follicles?

Answers (4)

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