Canesten 1% Cream

What is Canesten 1% Cream and what is it used for?

Canesten Cream 1% is a popular antifungal treatment that can be used by both men and women. It contains the active ingredient clotrimazole 1%. Canesten 1% cream is used to treat infections of the skin that are caused by yeast, dermatophytes, moulds, and fungi. These infections can lead to conditions like:

• Athlete’s foot
• Jock itch
• Ringworm
• Fungal nappy rash
• Sweat rash
• Vaginal thrush

How does Canesten 1% Cream work?

Clotrimazole is the active ingredient in Canesten Cream it kills fungi and yeast by inhibiting their ability to produce a substance called ergosterol. Ergosterol is an essential component of the fungal cell membrane. Inhibiting the production of ergosterol leads to holes appearing in the cell membrane. These holes allow essential constituents of the fungal cell to leak out, which kills the cell.

How to increase the benefits of Canesten 1% Cream

• Try to avoid scratching the infected areas as this will damage the skin’s surface, allowing the infection to spread further.
• Keep the affected areas clean.
• Pay extra attention to drying the infected skin, but try to avoid excessive rubbing.
• Do not share personal items, such as bath mats and towels. This will help to stop spreading the infection to others.
• Ensure you wash your hands after treating the infection to help prevent it from spreading.

Alternative to Canesten 1% Cream

Canesten 1% Cream is most effective at treating fungal infections of the skin including athletes foot, nappy rash and jock itch. If you are suffering from thrush you may find Canesten 2% Thrush cream or a combined pessary and cream more effective at treating the irritation and itching caused by the internal and external infection.

Canesten 1% Cream warnings

Before use, please ensure you read the following warnings carefully. This will help make sure you are choosing an appropriate product.

Do not use Canesten cream if:

• You are allergic to any of its ingredients
• You are trying to treat a nail or scalp infection

Canesten cream contains cetostearyl alcohol, which can cause local skin irritation, such as itching or redness.

Canesten 1% Cream pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive, consult your doctor or midwife before using Canesten cream. Upon consulting your doctor/midwife, ensure you follow their advice carefully.

Please read all product packaging and the patient information leaflet that accompanies this product. Always inform your doctor of any medicines you are taking or intend to take.

How to use Canesten 1% Cream

Canesten 1% Cream is for external use only.

For conditions like athlete’s foot and ringworm, treatment should be continued for at least one month. Thrush will require at least two weeks of treatment.

If you are using Canesten cream to treat athlete’s foot, you should ensure your feet are washed and properly dried prior to use (especially between the toes). It may help to use an antifungal dusting powder in conjunction with the Canesten cream. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a suitable product.

1. Prior to use, pierce the tube seal by inverting the cap over the end of the tube and pressing down.
2. Canesten should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected skin 2-3 times daily. A strip of cream (approximately half a cm long) is enough to treat a hand-sized area.

After commencement of treatment, your symptoms should improve within a few days. Although the redness and scaling can sometimes take longer to disappear. If symptoms persist, consult with your doctor or pharmacist. Continue with your treatment for 1 week after your symptoms have disappeared.

Canesten 1% Cream ingredients

Canesten cream contains the active ingredient: Clotrimazole 1%.

Canesten cream also contains the following inactive ingredients:

• Benzyl alcohol
• Polysorbate 60
• Sorbitan stearate
• Cetyl palmitate
• Cetostearyl alcohol
• Octyldodecanol
• Purified water

Canesten 1% Cream side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when using Canesten cream. However, if side effects do occur they can include:

• Itching
• Rash
• Blisters
• Burning
• Discomfort
• Irritation
• Redness
• Swelling
• Peeling of the skin

If you are concerned about these side effects, or if Canesten cream affects you in any other way, stop using it and consult your doctor or pharmacist.