Print Print
CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.

Fungal skin infection - scalp - Management
Topical antifungal shampoo

Age from 12 years onwards
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo: use twice a week
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo
Shampoo the scalp twice a week for 4 weeks.
Supply 120 ml.
Age: from 12 years onwards
NHS cost: £3.70
Licensed use: no - off-label indication
Patient information: Wet hair thoroughly and massage a small amount of ketoconazole shampoo into the affected area. Leave for 3-5 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Do not use more often than directed. If you need to shampoo your hair more often, use your normal shampoo.
Selenium sulphide 2.5% shampoo: use twice a week
Selenium sulphide 2.5% shampoo
Shampoo the scalp twice a week for 4 weeks.
Supply 100 ml.
Age: from 12 years onwards
NHS cost: £1.96
OTC cost: £3.45
Licensed use: no - off-label indication
Patient information: Wet the hair then massage selenium sulphide into the affected area to form a lather. Leave for 3 minutes then rinse thoroughly and repeat. If you need to shampoo your hair more often than twice a week, use your normal shampoo. Avoid using 48 hours before or after applying hair colouring, straightening, or waving preparations.

© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement