
Canesten Cream 1%
Canesten Cream 1% is available in the following sizes -
Canesten Cream for fungal infections including fungal nappy rash it contains Clotrimazole which is one of a group of medicines called imidazole antifungals, which are used to treat fungal skin infections.
Canesten Cream can be used to treat fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, fungal nappy rash and fungal sweat rash. It can also be used to relieve irritation of the vulva (external thrush) or the end of the penis, which may be associated with thrush.
Fungal infections are very common and affect many people. Some of the most common fungal skin infections include athlete's foot, nappy rash, sweat rash and ringworm.
- Canesten Cream should be applied, thinly and evenly, to the affected area two or three times daily and rubbed in gently
- If the feet are infected, they should be washed and dried thoroughly, especially between the toes, before applying the cream
- The duration of treatment depends upon the type of infection. Generally a minimum of two weeks is required, although up to four weeks may be necessary.
The symptoms of the skin infection, such as itching or soreness, should improve within a few days of treatment although signs such as redness and scaling may take longer to disappear.
Canesten Cream may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives, such as condoms or diaphragms. If you are using this cream on the vulva or penis you should take alternative contraceptive precautions for at least five days after using this product.
Canesten Cream is for external use only and should not be put in the mouth or swallowed. If it is swallowed accidentally, seek medical advice immediately.
Canesten Cream contains: 1% of the active ingredient clotrimazole.
Canesten Cream also contains: benzyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, cetyl palmitate, cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol and purified water.
Do not use Canesten Cream:
- if you (or your baby if treating nappy rash) have previously had an allergic reaction to clotrimazole or to any of the other ingredients in this product. If you are unsure about this. ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Special precautions:
- If you are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying for a baby, tell your doctor or midwife before using Canesten Cream. If you have informed your doctor or midwife already, follow his/her instructions carefully.
- This product contains cetostearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions, (e.g. contact dermatitis).
Side-effects:
- Rarely, you or your baby may experience mild burning or irritation immediately after you apply the cream.
- Very rarely, Canesten Cream may cause side effects which are similar to the symptoms of your infection. If the redness, burning, pain, itching, rash or swelling get worse, see your doctor as soon as possible.
- As with all medicines, some people may be allergic to the cream. If you or your baby are allergic, a reaction will occur soon after you start using it and the symptoms may be similar to those described above.
If you or your baby experience any of these effects or react badly to this medicine in any other way, tell your doctor immediately.
You can help the treatment to work if you follow these simple self-help tips:
- Although the infected area will itch, try not to scratch. Scratching will damage the surface of the skin and cause the infection to spread further
- Keep affected skin areas clean and dry, but avoid excessive rubbing
There are two main types of fungal infection:
- the tinea group, also known as dermatophytes
- the candida group, also known as yeasts
The tinea group includes athlete's foot and ringworm, both of which are spread easily by contact. Athlete's foot is often picked up in changing rooms while ringworm is usually passed on from animals to children. Ringworm is not actually a worm, its name comes from the circular worm-like shape that it forms on the skin.
- The main symptom for both is an: itchy, scaly and irritating rash.
The candida group can be responsible for conditions such as sweat rash and thrush. The yeast fungus that causes these infections usually lives harmlessly on our skin. However, the natural balance that normally keeps it under control can be upset by factors such as sweating, tight or synthetic clothing and cosmetic preparations such as bath additives.
- When levels of the yeast increase, the skin can develop the following symptoms: persistent burning and itching, redness, swelling and soreness.
The candida group can also be responsible for nappy rash: Most babies develop nappy rash at some stage. Although this is rarely a serious condition, the rash can be extremely distressing for both you and your baby. Nappy rash which lasts longer than three days may be fungal in origin and will require an antifungal treatment. The symptoms of fungal nappy rash include red patches on the baby's bottom and genitals, burning and itching.
If you are unsure whether you (or your baby if treating nappy rash) have one of these fungal skin infections, seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

























