Miconazole nitrate is a topical medication designed to treat various fungal infections, including vaginal yeast infections, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch. Beyond its intended uses, many people believe it is also capable of increasing hair growth. In theory, it may work by dilating the blood vessels and increasing the supply of oxygen to the scalp. As of 2011, the use of miconazole for hair growth has not been the topic of scientific study, but many users have reported positive results. Before using miconazole nitrate, consumers should be aware of the possible side effects associated with using this medication.
Without scientific evidence supporting its use, it is impossible to say whether this treatment is effective. If it is effective in promoting hair growth, it is probably due to its oxidizing properties. When miconazole nitrate is applied to the skin, it causes the veins and capillaries to relax. This increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the scalp, which might promote hair growth.
Another theory is that miconazole might be mistakenly credited with increasing hair growth by eliminating tinea capitis. This is a fungal infection, similar to ringworm, that occurs on the scalp. Since tinea capitis causes the hair to break off, clearing the infection will help the hair to grow.
Consumers who choose to use miconazole for hair growth should follow all dosage instructions included with the medication. Miconazole nitrate is typically applied to the affected area once or twice a day. When using this medication to increase hair growth, the cream should be massaged into the scalp until fully absorbed.
Before using this treatment, users must be aware of the risks, since there are several side effects associated with using it. Common side effects include redness, itching, burning, peeling of the skin, dryness, and headaches. In some cases, they worsen with prolonged use. If a user notices these side effects, he or she should stop using the medication immediately.
In addition to the possible side effects, there are a number of drug interactions that users should know about. Miconazole nitrate should not be used in combination with anticoagulants, like warfarin, as this may increase the risk of bleeding. This medication should also be avoided by consumers who are currently using other anti-fungal medications. People who are not using these medications or experiencing irritation can experiment with miconazole at their discretion.