To apply medication:
Put petroleum jelly on cotton balls and put them into your ears to keep medications out.
Use medications sparingly. They may cause skin irritation and can weaken hair shafts, causing temporary hair loss.
With an oil or lotion, part your hair and drip the medication onto your scalp.
With a cream or ointment, rub it right into your scalp.
Covering your scalp with a shower cap for a short period of time may help some medications work better, but check with your doctor first.