Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream

From £5.99

  • Effective treatment for fungal skin infections
  • Contains clotrimazole and hydrocortisone acetate
  • Buy online from a UK-licensed pharmacy
Fast & Free Delivery Options

Variety of delivery options including next day & free delivery.

100% UK-based Pharmacy

Pharmacy, clinic and prescribers based in Greater Manchester.

Free Online Consultations

Start your treatment with a quick and free online consultation.

Fast & Free Delivery Options

Variety of delivery options including next day & free delivery.

100% UK-based Pharmacy

Pharmacy, clinic and prescribers based in Greater Manchester.

Free Online Consultations

Start your treatment with a quick and free online consultation.

Buy Canesten HC Cream Online

Step 1: Online Consultation

Fill in a quick online consultation for our licensed pharmacists to review.

Step 2: Choose a Treatment

Our pharmacists will review your treatment to ensure it’s suitable.

Step 3: Quick & Discreet Delivery

Your treatment will be delivered to your door quickly & discretely.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream is a dual-action medicine for fungal skin infections that are inflamed by relieving symptoms while targeting the root cause of the infection.  It is used to treat athlete’s foot, eczema, dermatitis, and fungal sweat rash. It’s also used for treating thrush-related irritation in areas like the vulva, the end of the penis, beneath the breasts (intertrigo), or the groin, where skin chafing can occur. You can buy Canesten HC Cream online from our UK-licensed pharmacy, and we’ll have it delivered straight to your door.

Medication Name Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream
Active Ingredient Clotrimazole and Hydrocortisone Acetate 
Medication form Cream
Used to treat Fungal infections on the skin, including eczema, dermatitis, thrush, intertrigo and ringworm.
Available dosages 30g, 15g
Common side effects Some people will experience swelling, itching, rashes and skin irritation, but medicines containing mild hydrocortisone are usually very safe. 
Who is this medication suitable for Adults

Babies for nappy rash

Do you need a prescription for it? No
How should it be used? Apply thinly and evenly to the affected areas two or three times daily and rub in gently. Approximately 1cm of cream per application should be sufficient. 

Do not cover the area being treated with a dressing or bandage. 

Wash your hands immediately after applying the cream. 

Use for a maximum of 7 days.

Patient Information Leaflet Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream Patient Information Leaflet

How Does Canesten HC Cream Work?

Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream contains two active ingredients: clotrimazole and hydrocortisone acetate. Clotrimazole is an antifungal agent that disrupts fungi’s cell membranes, effectively killing them and preventing their growth. Hydrocortisone acetate is a mild corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, redness, and itching, providing rapid relief from discomfort.

Who Can Use Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream?

Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream is suitable for most people. However, it is not suitable if you:

  • Are allergic to clotrimazole, hydrocortisone, or any other ingredients in the cream.
  • Have a fungal infection without specific symptoms of inflammation.
  • Have broken skin, cold sores, acne, or untreated bacterial skin infections.
  • Need to treat large areas of skin (more than 5-10% of body surface).
  • Need to use the cream for more than 7 days.
  • Want to treat conditions like ringworm or perioral dermatitis.

If you’re still unsure whether this product is suitable for you, please speak to your GP or pharmacist.

How To Use Canesten HC Cream

For best results, follow these instructions:

  1. Clean and dry the affected area thoroughly before application.
  2. Apply Canesten Cream thinly and evenly to the affected areas twice daily, rubbing it in gently.
  3. Do not cover the treated area with a dressing or bandage.
  4. Wash your hands immediately after applying the cream.

Do not use the cream longer than 7 days. If symptoms persist, speak with your GP or a pharmacist.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream Side Effects

While many people use Canesten Hydrocortisone without experiencing side effects, some may occur. Side effects can include:

Common Side Effects

  • Swelling and itching
  • Rash
  • Blisters
  • Burning
  • Discomfort
  • Skin irritation
  • Redness
  • Peeling of the skin

Uncommon Side Effects

  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling faint
  • Confusion
  • Increased thirst or hunger
  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhoea
  • Skin infections

Serious Side Effects

If you are experiencing any symptoms of an allergic reaction or other concerning symptoms, stop using this cream and seek medical attention immediately.

Please refer to the patient information leaflet for a complete list of side effects, or seek advice from your pharmacist or doctor tailored to your situation.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream Ingredients

Active Ingredients: Clotrimazole (10mg per gram) and Hydrocortisone Acetate (11.2mg per gram).

Other Ingredients: Benzyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, triceteareth-4-phosphate, medium chain triglycerides, purified water, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid.

Important Information

  • Store in the original packaging below 25°C.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • Do not use past the expiry date.
  • For external use only.
  • Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream FAQs


Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream is a prescription-only product, so can’t be bought over the counter. However, you can buy it online from our thrush clinic, following a free consultation with one of our UK-licensed pharmacists.

No, this cream should not be used on the face, eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes such as in the nostrils or ears. Due to its steroid ingredient, using it on the face can lead to skin thinning and other adverse effects.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream is not recommended for treating ringworm. An antifungal cream without hydrocortisone may be more appropriate. Consult a doctor or pharmacist for the best treatment option for ringworm.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this cream if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or breastfeeding. They can provide guidance based on your specific health needs and circumstances.

If you miss a dose, apply the cream as soon as you remember. If  it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not apply more cream to make up for a missed dose.

It is typically advised to wait until Canesten Hydrocortisone has been fully absorbed into the skin before applying other skincare products. This helps to prevent dilution and ensures the cream’s effectiveness.

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