Canesten cream is an over-the-counter medication designed to combat various superficial fungal skin infections. It contains clotrimazole, an antifungal agent that relieves discomfort and addresses the underlying fungal growth. This cream provides an accessible option for managing common skin conditions caused by fungi.
Conditions Treated by Canesten Cream
Canesten cream treats several common fungal skin infections.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s Foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection affecting the feet, particularly between the toes. This condition often causes itching, redness, scaling, and sometimes blistering. The cream helps to eliminate the fungi responsible for these symptoms, promoting skin healing.
Jock Itch
Jock Itch, or tinea cruris, impacts the groin area. This infection typically presents as an itchy, red, and scaly rash in warm, moist regions of the body. Canesten cream works to soothe the irritation and clear the fungal infection in these sensitive areas.
Ringworm
Ringworm, or tinea corporis, is a fungal infection characterized by a distinctive red, itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the center. This infection can appear anywhere on the body. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a fungus. Canesten cream is effective in treating this type of superficial fungal growth on the skin.
Fungal Nappy Rash
For infants, Canesten cream addresses fungal nappy rash, which occurs when yeast, a type of fungus, overgrows in the diaper area due to warmth and moisture. This condition, also known as candidal nappy rash, causes bright red, inflamed skin, often with small red spots at the edges. Applying the cream helps to reduce the fungal presence and alleviate the discomfort for the baby.
External Thrush Symptoms
Canesten cream provides relief for the external symptoms of thrush, specifically vaginal candidiasis. While the cream is not intended for internal treatment of vaginal thrush, it can effectively manage the external itching, soreness, and irritation associated with the infection around the vulva. It helps to reduce the yeast population on the skin’s surface.
Understanding How Canesten Cream Works
The effectiveness of Canesten cream stems from its active ingredient, clotrimazole, which belongs to a class of antifungal medications called azoles. Clotrimazole acts by interfering with the fungal cell membrane, a protective outer layer surrounding the fungal cell.
Clotrimazole inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, a primary component of fungal cell membranes. Without sufficient ergosterol, the cell membrane becomes compromised, leading to leakage of essential substances from the fungal cell. This damage prevents the fungus from growing and replicating, ultimately leading to the death of the fungal cells.
Safe and Effective Application
Proper application of Canesten cream ensures effectiveness and helps prevent recurrence. Begin by thoroughly cleaning and drying the affected skin area before each application. Gently rub a thin layer of the cream into the skin until absorbed.
Apply Canesten cream two to three times daily, depending on the specific infection and product instructions. Continue treatment for the recommended duration, often two to four weeks, even if symptoms improve or disappear sooner. Stopping treatment too early can lead to the infection returning.
Maintain good hygiene practices during treatment. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the cream to prevent spreading the infection. Keeping the infected area clean and dry helps to create an environment less favorable for fungal growth.
Mild side effects may occur, such as temporary redness, itching, or a stinging sensation at the application site. These reactions are generally temporary and subside with continued treatment. If irritation becomes severe or symptoms worsen, discontinue use and seek medical advice.
For safe use, avoid applying Canesten cream to broken or severely irritated skin, and prevent contact with the eyes. If symptoms persist after seven days of consistent use, or if the condition appears to be spreading, consult a healthcare professional for further assessment. Store the cream below 25°C and keep it out of reach of children.