Canesten Cream

What is Canesten 1% Cream?

Canesten Cream is an antifungal topical treatment for fungal skin infections. It is applied directly to the affected area where it works directly on the fungal cells.

You can use Canesten Cream for fungal skin infections, including:

• Ringworm
• Jock itch
• Athlete's foot
• Fungal sweat rash

You can also use Canesten Cream on the end of the penis or the vulva, to relieve irritation and discomfort associated with thrush infections.

However, you cannot use Canesten Cream to treat internal infections, fungal nail infections or fungal scalp infections.

If you are unsure whether you should use Canesten Cream, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Canesten Cream may not be suitable for certain fungal infections.

What are fungal skin infections?

Fungi live all around us - even on our bodies. In most cases, they are harmless, though some of the million species of fungi can cause infections, such as tinea and candida.

When given the right conditions, such as a warm and damp environment, the fungi can rapidly multiply, overcoming the immune system and causing an infection.

Fungal skin infections can spread to other body parts. For example, it is possible to spread ringworm from your arm to your groin, which can develop into jock itch.

It is also possible to pass fungal infections onto other people. When you have a fungal infection, it is important to take precautions to prevent the infection from being passed on to someone else through physical contact or contaminated surfaces.

To prevent infecting others, you should:

• Avoid physical contact with the infected area of skin.
• Use a separate towel to wash the affected area.
• Wash towels, clothing and bedding regularly.

If you have a diagnosed fungal skin infection, you should inform everyone else in your household of the infection and its symptoms.

If you suspect your pet has ringworm, you should take them to the vet for treatment. Your vet can provide actionable steps to prevent contracting the infection from your pet. You should wash your hands after petting an infected animal and limit the surfaces your pet comes into contact with.

Where can I buy Canesten 1% Cream?

Canesten 1% Cream is available over the counter from pharmacies. You don't need a prescription to get Canesten Cream.

If you can't get to your pharmacy, you can buy Canesten Cream online from Prescription Doctor. Simply place your order online before 3pm and our UK pharmacy can send Canesten Cream directly to your door via a discreet next-day delivery.

Not in during the week? We offer a Special Saturday Delivery service. Choose this option during checkout on Fridays to guarantee your Canesten Cream is with you the next day.

How does Canesten cream work?

Canesten 1% Cream contains an antifungal called clotrimazole.

Clotrimazole kills fungal cells by weakening the cell membranes, causing the contents of the cells to spill out.

Not only does Canesten Cream kill the infection, it also relieves symptoms of fungal skin infections such as itching, irritation and redness.

How long does Canesten Cream take to work?

Canesten Cream should relieve symptoms such as itching and discomfort within a couple of days of treatment, though it may take longer to clear the fungal infection.

You should continue to use Canesten Cream for at least 2 weeks. Stopping treatment with Canesten Cream too soon can cause the fungal infection to return.

Much like antibiotics, fungi can develop immunity from clotrimazole, making them harder to treat with Canesten Cream. To prevent this, you should use Canesten Cream exactly as a doctor or pharmacist has advised.

If you are unsure how long you should take Canesten Cream for, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

Find out more about how long ringworm & jock itch lasts in our blog.

How do I use Canesten cream?

Canesten 1% Cream is applied directly to the site of the fungal skin infection.

Typically, you should apply Canesten Cream 2 or 3 times daily for at least 2 weeks. You may need to use Canesten Cream for up to 4 weeks.

You may need to use the cream more frequently depending on the severity of the infection. If you are not sure how often you should use Canesten 1% Cream for, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

Before using Canesten Cream, wash the area you will be applying the cream to with warm water and a mild soap.

1. Ensure the site of the infection is clean and dry before applying Canesten Cream. Do not apply the cream to areas of broken skin (cuts, scratches or open wounds) to prevent irritation.
2. To open the tube, remove the cap and pierce the seal of the tube by inverting the cap and pressing it firmly against the seal.
3. Apply a small finger tip amount (1/2 a cm) to the site of the infection. A finger tip amount is measured from the tip of your index finger to the first crease.
4. Gently rub Canesten Cream into the skin, ensuring the cream covers the entire infected area.
5. Wash your hands after applying Canesten Cream.
6. Replace the cap on the tube and store the medicine out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Always wash your hands after using the cream.

Take care not to get Canesten Cream in your eyes or mouth as this may result in irritation. Washing your hands after using Canesten Cream can help to prevent you from accidentally getting Canesten Cream in your eyes or mouth.

To get the most out of the tube, squeeze the tube from the bottom to push the cream up the tube. This prevents Canesten Cream from getting stuck at the bottom of the tube.

What should I do if I accidentally get Canesten Cream in my eyes?

If you accidentally get some cream in your eyes, thoroughly rinse your eyes with water.

If irritation persists long after rinsing your eyes, seek medical attention.

What should I do if I forget to take Canesten when I should?

If you forget a dose of Canesten, apply the cream as soon as you remember. Continue to use Canesten Cream as you normally would.

Do not apply more Canesten 1% Cream to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I use too much Canesten?

If use more Canesten cream than you should, talk with your doctor. While it's unlikely using too much Canesten Cream will harm you, it might increase your risks of experiencing side effects.

When dispensing Canesten Cream, squeeze the tube gently to slowly dispense the cream. Squeezing too hard can cause spillage.

Canesten cream side effects and cautions

Before you use Canesten Cream, read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine. The patient information contains instructions on how to use, store and dispose Canesten Cream, as well as important information regarding the medicine's safety.

You can view the patient information leaflet for Canesten Cream online.

Side effects of Canesten Cream

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody experiences them. Understanding the associated side effects, and remaining aware of them during your course of treatment, is important to your care.

Side effects of Canesten Cream may include:

• Blisters
• Burning
• Discomfort
• Irritation
• Itching
• Rash
• Redness
• Skin peeling
• Swelling

This is not and exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Canesten Cream, including a complete list of side effects can be found inside the patient information leaflet.

Allergies

Do not use Canesten 1% Cream if you are allergic to clotrimazole, cetostearyl alcohol, or any of its ingredients listed inside the patient information leaflet.

Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Blisters
• Breathing or swallowing problems
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Nausea
• Severe itching or burning
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Weakness

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, intend on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or midwife before using Canesten Cream.

Other safety information

Please inform our medical team of all other medicines you are currently taking, including those prescribed by your doctor, or bought over the counter.

Do not put Canesten Cream in your mouth or swallow it.

Do not use Canesten Cream past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date usually refers to the last day of the specified month.

Never throw away medicine via household or water waste, as this can damage the environment. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose it safely for you.

Always store medicines out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have the same condition as you.

Frequently asked questions