Miconazole

Miconazole

Potential efficacity for hair loss : ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My recommendation

Miconazole can help reduce hair loss when it is caused or exacerbated by seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema. You can also use it to combat dandruff as an alternative to ketoconazole or other popular treatments.

While Miconazole is typically employed to treat oral candidiasis, it may also be prescribed in extremely rare instances for Tinea Capitis, a type of scarring alopecia.

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Miconazole is an antifungal cream or ointment used to treat fungal skin infections. It works by stopping the growth of fungi and yeasts that cause infections.

More specifically, miconazole damages the cell walls and membranes of fungi. It does this by blocking ergosterol, an important substance fungi need to build strong cell membranes. When miconazole prevents ergosterol production, it causes holes to form in the fungal cell walls. This allows the cell contents to leak out, killing the fungi.

Some of the fungal skin infections that can be treated with miconazole include:

Ringworm : causes red, circular rashes on the skin
Jock itch : causes a red, flaky, itchy rash in the groin area
Athlete’s foot : leads to scaling, flaking, burning and redness, typically between the toes
Infections caused by Candida yeasts : can occur in moist areas of the skin and cause a red, flaky rash

Is it effective against hair loss?

To date, we have no studies directly testing the effectiveness of Miconazole on hair loss. However, we do have studies that focus on its ability to treat seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.

In addition to being issues on their own, these conditions can worsen existing hair loss or even bring on a type of hair loss called seborrheic alopecia. By treating the underlying condition, some people may be able to treat their hair loss.

Topical antifungals such as Miconazole are occasionally employed to address certain types of cicatricial alopecia, like Tinea Capitis. Therefore, if you’re dealing with cicatricial alopecia, your doctor might recommend it as a treatment option, even if it’s not the initial choice.

Miconazole may reduce seborrheic dermatisis and seborrheic alopecia

In a study from 2012 realized on 274 patients, 2% miconazole shampoo was as effective as 2% ketoconazole shampoo in reducing seborrheic dermatisis.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky, dry, white to yellowish scales on oily areas of the skin. It commonly affects the scalp, causing red, itchy, and greasy flaking that can lead to seborrheic alopecia – a form of hair loss due to inflammation from seborrheic dermatitis.

A study from 1986 also discovered that miconazole was more effective than hydrocortisone in treating seborrheic dermatitis. For your information, hydrocortisone is one of the weakest corticosteroids in terms of potency (class 7).

A study from 1997 also demonstrated that a 0.75% Miconazole shampoo effectively reduced dandruff. Generally, individuals who have seborrheic dermatitis also suffer from dandruff. However, dandruff can also occur on its own.

For instance, piroctone olamine, ketoconazole, and zinc pyrithione are also effective treatments for dandruff due to their antifungal properties.

Miconazole may treat Psoriasis

According to a study from 1997, the application of 2% Miconazole twice daily has also been efficient in the treatment of psoriasis, a skin condition that can appear of the scalp and cause hair loss in some cases.

To explain it in simple terms, psoriasis causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in red, thick, scaly patches on the skin. It is an immune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy skin cells by mistake. Psoriasis can be itchy and uncomfortable.

Here is an example of psoriasis :

Miconazole may treat Eczema

In a randomized trial realized on 207 patients, a cream containing 2% Miconazole and 1% hydrocortisone has been effective in relieving atopic dermatitis, which is commonly known as eczema.

Eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy, red, dry patches on the skin. It happens when the skin barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out does not work properly. This allows moisture to escape and irritants to enter, which leads to itchiness and inflammation.

However, researchers mentioned that the 2% fusidic acid + 1% hydrocortisone formulation was superior to the 2% Miconazole and 1% hydrocortisone formulation.

Miconazole in case of Cicatricial alopecia

Some forms of scarring alopecia are caused by fungal infections and can take on very severe forms. Generally, oral antifungals are used along with antifungal shampoos such as ciclopirox.

Here is an example of cicatricial alopecia of the Tinea Capitis type :

Miconazole, although very rarely used, is also an antifungal agent that can sometimes be prescribed in the form of a lotion, cream or shampoo as an alternative to ciclopirox or ketoconazole. However, it remains a secondary option and doctors generally do not prescribe it as a first-line treatment.

Closing thoughts and verdict

Miconazole and similar antifungals can also be prescribed in cases of Tinea Capitis, a form of scarring alopecia.

How to use : dosage and application

For Tinea Capitis (and Corporis):

Topical: apply twice daily for 4 weeks

Precautions & side effects

Side Effects:

Skin irritation, redness or rash
Burning or stinging sensation when applied topically
Nausea or vomiting (with oral gel)
Diarrhea (with oral gel)
Avoid mixing oral/buccal form of Miconazole with Progesterone

Precautions:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
Use caution when applying to large areas of damaged skin or open wounds
Avoid getting miconazole cream or lotion in your eyes, nose or mouth
The oral gel should not be used in children under 16 years old without medical supervision
Alcohol may increase risk of miconazole being absorbed into your bloodstream, avoid alcohol-containing products when using miconazole on the skin