What is Canesten 1% Cream used for?
Canesten 1% Cream contains the active ingredient clotrimazole at a concentration of 1%, which works by disrupting the cell membrane of the fungus, preventing it from growing and spreading.
Canesten 1% Cream is used to treat a range of fungal skin infections, including genital thrush (both external vaginal thrush and penile thrush), ringworm, fungal nappy rash and sweat rash. By treating the root cause of the infection, Canesten 1% Cream can provide relief from the symptoms of external thrush, such as itching and soreness in sensitive areas such as the vulva or the end of the penis.
How to apply Canesten External Cream
- Wash and dry the affected area thoroughly before application.
- Pierce the seal of the tube before use by inverting the cap and pressing it against the seal.
- Apply a thin and even layer of Canesten External Cream to the affected area and gently rub it in 2 or 3 times a day.
- A 1/2cm long strip of cream is enough to cover an area about the size of a hand.
Canesten (Clotrimazole) 1% Cream: Our Pharmacist's Advice
“Canesten 1% Cream can be used to treat a range of fungal conditions in addition to thrush, such as athlete's foot, ringworm, fungal sweat rash and fungal nappy rash.
For the best results, treatment with Canesten 1% Cream should be continued for at least two weeks, and for at least seven days after all signs of the infection have cleared to reduce the risk of the infection returning."
How to apply Canesten Cream on a man
Men can use Canesten 1% Cream to treat thrush affecting the head of the penis and the foreskin. Apply a thin layer to the affected area two to three times daily after washing and drying the skin. Treatment should continue for up to two weeks, or as directed by your pharmacist. If symptoms do not improve within seven days of use, consult your GP.
How long does Canesten Cream take to work?
Itching and irritation can begin to improve within the first few days of use. However, other symptoms, such as redness and scaling, can take longer to heal. The full course of treatment is typically two weeks for thrush and two to four weeks for other fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm. It is important to complete the full course even if symptoms appear to have cleared. If you are still experiencing symptoms after 4 weeks of treatment, contact your GP.
Can I use Canesten 1% Cream to treat jock itch?
Yes, Canesten 1% Cream can be suitable for the treatment of jock itch due to the mechanism of its active ingredient, clotrimazole. This ingredient disrupts the cell membrane of various species of fungi that cause fungal conditions such as jock itch.
To treat jock itch with Canesten 1% Cream, apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area 2-3 times daily.
Continue treatment for at least four weeks, even if symptoms improve earlier. If the symptoms of jock itch persist beyond this period, consult a pharmacist or GP for further advice.
Can I use Canesten 1% Cream to treat athlete’s foot?
Canesten 1% Cream can be used to treat athlete's foot.
In order to treat athlete’s foot with Canesten 1% Cream, wash the affected feet thoroughly with mild soap and water, ensuring to rub between the toes.
Dry the feet and the skin between the toes thoroughly with a clean towel before applying a thin layer of Canesten 1% Cream on the affected areas of the feet.
Apply the cream 2-3 times per day and allow the cream to absorb completely with each use.
If you intend to wear socks and/or shoes after applying Canesten 1% Cream, ensure the cream has been absorbed fully and that the socks are clean and dry.
Continue treatment for at least four weeks, even if symptoms improve earlier. If the symptoms of athlete’s foot persist beyond this period, consult a pharmacist or GP for further advice.
Can I use Canesten 1% Cream to treat ringworm?
Yes, Canesten 1% Cream can be used to treat ringworm.
Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected skin areas 2-3 times per day.
Continue treatment for at least four weeks, even after symptoms have disappeared, to help reduce the risk of the infection returning.
If the symptoms of ringworm persist beyond 4 weeks of treatment, consult a pharmacist or GP for further advice.
Can I pee after using Canesten Cream?
Yes, you can urinate after applying Canesten cream. The cream is applied externally, so urination should not affect its action. However, if you experience stinging when urinating due to the thrush infection itself, applying the cream after urinating can be more comfortable. You do not need to reapply the cream after urinating.
Can I use Canesten External Cream internally?
No, Canesten External 1% Cream should not be inserted into the vagina. It is formulated for external use only.
If you require an internal treatment for vaginal thrush, consider Canesten Internal Cream or a Canesten Pessary.
Canesten External Cream can be used alongside these internal treatments and oral treatments like Fluconazole to help relieve itching and irritation on the surrounding skin.
Can you use Canesten Cream when pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive, it is important to consult with your doctor before using Canesten 1% Cream.
What is the difference between Canesten 1% and 2% Cream?
Both Canesten 1% and Canesten 2% Cream contain the same active ingredient, clotrimazole, but at different concentrations.
The 1% cream is designed for a broader range of fungal skin infections, including athlete's foot, ringworm and general fungal skin conditions, as well as external thrush.
The 2% cream is formulated specifically for external genital thrush and contains a higher concentration of clotrimazole.
Both treatments are applied in the same way, but the 2% cream is typically used for a shorter course (typically one to two weeks compared to two to four weeks for the 1% cream, depending on the condition).
Is Canesten Cream the same as Clotrimazole cream?
Canesten is the brand name for a range of products containing the active ingredient clotrimazole. We also offer generic Clotrimazole 1% Cream, which contains the same active ingredient at the same concentration and works in the same way. The generic Clotrimazole 1% Cream is available at a lower price as it is a generic medicine. However, both treatments are equally suitable for treating thrush and other fungal skin infections.
How does Canesten External Cream interact with contraceptives?
Canesten Cream may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives, such as condoms or diaphragms. Make sure you use alternative precautions or avoid having sex for at least five days after applying the cream.
What are the ingredients of Canesten External Cream?
The active ingredient of Canesten Cream is clotrimazole at a strength of 1% w/v.
Other ingredients are benzyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, cetyl palmitate, cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol and purified water. If you are allergic to any of these substances, do not use the Canesten Cream and consult with your GP.
How to store Canesten External Cream?
Do not store Canesten Cream above 25℃ and keep out of reach of children. Canesten Cream has a shelf life of 36 months.