Clotrimazole Cream for Fungal Infections

Medication Name	Clotrimazole Cream
Active Ingredient	Clotrimazole
Medication Form	Topical cream
Used to Treat	Fungal skin infections, including thrush, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch
Available Strengths	1%
Other names this medication is known by	Canesten, antifungal cream
Common Side Effects	Mild skin irritation, redness, stinging or burning sensation
Do you need a prescription for it?	Some strengths available over the counter; prescription available online
How should it be applied?	2-3 times daily to affected areas
Patient Information Leaflet	Clotrimazole Cream Patient Information Leaflet

What is Clotrimazole Cream?

Clotrimazole cream is a topical antifungal treatment that contains 1% clotrimazole as its active ingredient. It’s used to treat a wide range of fungal skin infections that can affect different parts of the body.

Clotrimazole 1% cream is available in various forms, including a cream, spray, or solution. It’s one of the most commonly prescribed antifungal treatments in the UK due to its effectiveness and ease of use.

How Does Clotrimazole Work?

Clotrimazole works by disrupting the cell membranes of fungi, which are essential for their survival. The active ingredient interferes with the production of ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell walls. Without ergosterol, the cell walls become weak and develop holes, causing the fungal cells to leak and eventually die.

As the fungal infection clears, you’ll notice your symptoms gradually improving. The itching, redness, and irritation will start to fade, and your skin will begin to heal. You must continue using the cream for the full course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve quickly, to make sure the infection is completely cleared and doesn’t come back.

What is Clotrimazole Cream Used For?

Clotrimazole is used to treat various fungal infections. These infections can happen on different parts of the body and cause uncomfortable symptoms like itching, redness, and flaking skin.

Common conditions treated with clotrimazole cream include:

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) – A fungal infection that affects the feet, particularly between the toes, causing itching, cracking, and peeling skin.
Ringworm (tinea corporis) – Despite its name, ringworm isn’t caused by a worm but by a fungus. It creates circular, red, scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy.
Jock itch (tinea cruris) – A fungal infection in the groin area that causes an itchy, red rash, typically affecting men more than women.
Fungal nappy rash – Sometimes babies develop fungal infections in the nappy area, which clotrimazole cream can help treat alongside keeping the area clean and dry.
Fungal sweat rash – Warm, moist areas of skin where sweat collects can develop fungal infections, especially in skin folds.
Thrush on the skin – Caused by the Candida fungus, this infection can affect areas such as skin folds, under the breasts, or around the groin.
Vaginal thrush – While there are specific clotrimazole vaginal creams designed for internal use, the 1% cream can also be applied externally to relieve itching and irritation around the vaginal area.

Clotrimazole antifungal cream is effective because it targets the root cause of these infections rather than just masking the symptoms.

Who Can Use Clotrimazole Cream?

Clotrimazole cream is suitable for most adults and children who need treatment for fungal skin infections. It’s generally safe and well-tolerated when used as directed.

However, clotrimazole cream may not be suitable for everyone. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist before using clotrimazole cream if you:

Are allergic to clotrimazole or any other ingredients in the cream
Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding (though it’s generally considered safe, it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider)
Have very sensitive skin or other underlying skin conditions
Are using other topical treatments on the same area
Have diabetes, as this can sometimes affect how fungal infections respond to treatment

Before starting treatment with clotrimazole cream, always inform your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you’re taking and any medical conditions you have. If you’re unsure whether clotrimazole cream is right for you, speak to a healthcare professional for advice.

How to Apply Clotrimazole Cream

Wash the affected area with mild soap and water, then pat it completely dry. It’s important that the skin is clean and dry before applying the cream.
Apply a thin layer of clotrimazole cream to the affected area and gently rub it in. Make sure you cover not just the visible infection but also a small area of healthy skin around it to prevent the infection from spreading.
Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the cream, unless you’re treating your hands.
Use the cream 2-3 times a day, or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Try to space out the applications evenly throughout the day.

Continue using clotrimazole cream for the full course of treatment recommended by your doctor or as stated on the packaging, even if all signs of your infection and your symptoms clear up before the treatment is finished. Most fungal infections need to be treated for at least 2 to 4 weeks, though some conditions may require longer treatment. Stopping too early may cause the infection to return.

Side Effects of Clotrimazole Cream

Like all medications, clotrimazole cream can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and affect the area where you’ve applied the cream.

Common Side Effects

Mild irritation or redness at the application site
Stinging or burning sensation when first applied
Itching
Skin peeling or flaking

Uncommon Side Effects

Blistering of the skin
Swelling at the application site
Pain or discomfort

Rare Side Effects

Severe allergic reactions such as rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing
Hives or severe skin reactions

If you experience any side effects, particularly if they’re severe or persistent, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Most mild side effects will settle down as your skin adjusts to the treatment and the infection clears. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, discontinue use of clotrimazole cream immediately and seek medical attention.

You can report side effects to the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) to help monitor the safety of the medication.

Clotrimazole 1% w/w Cream Ingredients

Active Ingredients: Clotrimazole

Other ingredients: Benzyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, cetyl palmitate, cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol and purified water.

Clotrimazole Warnings

Do not use clotrimazole cream if you are allergic to clotrimazole or any other ingredients in the cream. Check the ingredients list carefully before use.
For external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and inside of the nose. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using clotrimazole cream. While it’s generally considered safe for topical use, it’s important to discuss any potential risks with your healthcare provider.
If your symptoms don’t improve after 2-4 weeks of treatment, or if they get worse, stop using the cream and speak to your doctor. This could indicate that you need a different treatment or that the infection isn’t fungal.
Don’t share your clotrimazole cream with others, even if they have similar symptoms. Fungal infections need proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re using other topical treatments on the same area, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the best way to apply them to avoid any interactions or reduced effectiveness.
Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use and store it in a cool, dry place. Do not use after the expiry date.

Clotrimazole Cream FAQs

No, clotrimazole cream shouldn’t be applied to open wounds or broken skin. The cream is designed for intact skin affected by fungal infections. If you have a wound that you suspect may be infected, consult your doctor or pharmacist about suitable treatment options.

It’s common to feel a mild stinging or burning sensation when you first apply clotrimazole cream, but this usually settles down quickly. This will be more noticeable if your skin is already irritated from the infection. However, if the stinging is severe, prolonged, or accompanied by increased redness or swelling, stop using the cream and consult your doctor or pharmacist, as this could indicate sensitivity or an allergic reaction.

Clotrimazole cream is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy when applied topically to the skin, as very little of the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream. However, it’s always best to speak to your doctor, midwife, or pharmacist before using any medication during pregnancy to make sure it’s appropriate for your specific situation.

As the Clotrimazole cream works to clear the infection, the itching will gradually reduce and eventually stop. However, it may take a few days of regular use before you notice a significant improvement. If you have itching that isn’t caused by a fungal infection, clotrimazole cream won’t be effective, and you should speak to your pharmacist about more suitable treatments.

Standard clotrimazole 1% cream does not contain steroids – it only contains the antifungal ingredient clotrimazole.

However, there is a combination product called clotrimazole and hydrocortisone cream, which contains both clotrimazole (an antifungal) and hydrocortisone (a mild steroid). This combination cream is used when there’s both a fungal infection and significant inflammation. Always check the packaging or speak to your pharmacist if you’re unsure which product you have.

No, clotrimazole cream isn’t designed to remove dark spots or treat pigmentation issues. It’s specifically formulated to treat fungal infections. If you’re concerned about dark spots on your skin, speak to your doctor or a dermatologist about appropriate treatments for hyperpigmentation.

Clotrimazole cream is not the most effective treatment for nail fungus (onychomycosis). Fungal nail infections typically require stronger antifungal treatments, often in the form of medicated nail lacquers, like Amorolfine, or oral medications, because the infection is deep within the nail bed where topical creams struggle to penetrate. If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, see your doctor or pharmacist for advice on the most appropriate treatment.

Once opened, clotrimazole cream typically lasts for several months, but you should always check the expiry date on the packaging. Generally, you should use the cream within 6-12 months of opening, though this can vary by manufacturer.

If the cream changes colour, texture, or develops an unusual smell, don’t use it. Store it properly in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed to maintain its effectiveness.

Clotrimazole cream doesn’t bleach skin or fabrics. It’s a white cream that may leave temporary white marks on clothing if applied too liberally, but these wash out easily and don’t cause permanent bleaching. If you notice any changes in your skin colour after using the cream, this is more likely related to the healing process of the infection rather than the cream itself.

Clotrimazole cream isn’t suitable for treating eczema. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, not a fungal infection, and requires different treatments, such as emollients and steroid creams. Using clotrimazole cream on eczema won’t be effective and could irritate your skin further.