Clotrimazole for fungal skin infections

About clotrimazole for skin infections

Although many types of fungi live harmlessly on our skin, some can cause infections. The most common fungi to cause skin infections are the tinea group of fungi. Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the toes and feet caused by a fungus from this group. Infections caused by a fungus or a yeast (a type of fungus) can affect other parts of the body too - some examples are fungal nappy rash, fungal groin infections, and fungal sweat rashes. Clotrimazole eases the symptoms of skin infections such as these, by killing the fungi causing the infection.

Although clotrimazole is available on prescription, you can also buy some preparations without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets. It is available as a cream, as a spray and as a topical solution (a liquid which is applied directly on to the skin). The cream is most frequently used but, where large areas of skin are infected or where the area of the body which is being treated is quite hairy, a spray or topical solution may be more suitable.

Sometimes clotrimazole is combined in a cream with a corticosteroid; either hydrocortisone (as in the brand Canesten® HC) or betamethasone (in the brand Lotriderm®). These creams are prescribed when the infection has caused the skin to become inflamed and sore. Canesten® HC can also be bought from pharmacies on the advice of a pharmacist.

Clotrimazole is a medicine which is also used to treat fungal infections on areas of the body other than the skin. For example, it is used to treat vaginal thrush and some ear infections. There is more information about the preparations used to treat these conditions in the separate medicine leaflets called Clotrimazole for vaginal thrush and Clotrimazole for ear infections.

Before using clotrimazole for skin infections

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using clotrimazole make sure that you speak with a doctor or pharmacist:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Although clotrimazole is not known to be harmful to babies, you should only use medicines on the recommendation of a doctor while you are expecting or breastfeeding a baby.

• If you are taking any other medicines or using any other creams. This includes any medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine or cream.

How to use clotrimazole for skin infections

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about clotrimazole and how to apply it.

• Wash and dry the infected area of skin before you apply clotrimazole. You will need to use it regularly for a few weeks. Once all signs of your infection have gone, continue to use it for a further one or two weeks, as this will help to prevent the infection from coming back.

• If you are using cream, apply a thin layer and then rub it in gently. Use the cream two or three times a day.

• If you are using spray, use it two or three times a day and be careful to make sure that all of the infected area has been covered by the spray.

• If you are using solution, apply it two or three times a day and gently rub it in. A few drops will treat an area about the size of a hand.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Remember to wash your hands carefully after using clotrimazole, as this will help to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body. Also, use a separate towel to other people until your infection clears up.

• Fungal infections often occur in warm, moist areas of the body. After washing or showering, make sure that all areas of your skin are dried well, particularly areas such as skin folds and between your toes.

• As a guide, infections such as athlete's foot usually clear up within a week or so of treatment, although infections affecting some other areas of the body can take slightly longer. If there are no signs of improvement after two weeks of using clotrimazole, you should make an appointment to see your doctor for advice.

Can clotrimazole cause problems?

Clotrimazole is unlikely to cause any serious side-effects. It can occasionally cause some irritation when it is used at first, and a few people experience mild allergic-type reactions (such as redness and itching). If you experience these or any other symptoms, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store clotrimazole

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines