Canesten cream is known generically as clotrimazole cream. This medication containing clotrimazole is an antifungal cream available in 1% strength bottles.

Canesten cream is used to treat fungal skin conditions in both males and females. The most common use of this medication is the treatment of vaginal yeast infections, but also helps treat ringworm, athlete’s foot, fungal nappy rash, fungal sweat rash and to relieve irritation at the tip of the penis (may be associated with thrush). This is an external cream only and is not to be digested.

Fungi produces a essential component of its membrane called ergosterol, which causes these conditions to arise. If this production (of ergosterol) is disrupted, it causes holes to appear in the fungal cell membrane. When holes appear, the fungi die and the infection heals. Clotrimazole works by interfering with the production of ergosterol.

Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor.

Wash your hands every time you are about to apply the cream. Apply cream to affected area(s) of the skin two to three times daily; a strip of cream 0.5cm long is enough cream to treat an area of skin roughly the size of your hand. Wash your hands when you are done applying the cream; this lessens your chance of spreading the infection to another part of your body or to another person

If you are using this cream to treat athletes foot, ensure your feet are dry when applying this cream.

Do not use this cream to treat nail or scalp infections.

This product could cause skin irritation due to the cetostearyl alcohol in it.

This cream could lower the effectiveness of certain contraceptives, more specifically, rubber contraceptives like condoms and diaphragms.

You may have to follow certain instructions if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning on becoming pregnant. Make sure to tell your doctor or mid-wife if want to use Canesten cream.

If you are using this for a genital infection (like a yeast infection) make sure to ask or tell your doctor if you:

Are at a high risk for STDs Have multiple partners or change partners often Have diabetes Have reoccurring symptoms within 2 months Have had previous infections in that area Have abdominal pain, fever or foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Common side effects of clotrimazole cream may include:

• Rash.
• Swallowing or breathing problems.
• Swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.
• Weakness, feeling dizzy or faint.
• Nausea.

After applying clotrimazole cream, you may experience:

Itching, Rash, Blisters, Burning, Discomfort, Swelling, Irritation, Redness or peeling of skin.

Signs to watch for:

Allergic reaction: sneezing, an itchy, runny or blocked nose (allergic rhinitis), itchy, red or watering eyes (conjunctivitis), wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, a raised, itchy and red rash (hives), and swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face.

Can I use other medications while using this cream?

Medications should be fine to take while using this cream as it is not absorbed into the bloodline, however other lotions, creams and ointments should put on at a separate time.

Is it okay to scratch the infected area after applying until the itchiness goes away?

It is recommended you do not as scratching can damage the skin and may worsen or spread the infection.

Is this safe for kids?

Yes, but it is unclear the exact age in which you can start using the cream. Some clotrimazole products/strengths should not be used on children under 16.

How long does treatment take?

Usually, the cream helps within 7 days but treatment should be done for two weeks (14 days) to ensure the infection does not come back.