Canesten

Canesten is prescribed to treat fungal infections of the skin. Conditions include athlete’s foot, jock itch and irritation of the vulva and penis associated with thrush.

Canesten contains the active agent clotrimazole. This compound is an antifungal which kills the fungi and clears the infection. In turn, associated symptoms such as skin irritation and itching are relieved.

This product is only suitable for use in adults and children aged ten years and over. It must not be used in children under ten years of age unless under medical supervision.

HealthExpress also sells the generic medication Clotrimazole - this product contains exactly the same ingredients and has identical effects to Canesten.

Canesten is generally prescribed to treat fungal infections such as jock itch, athlete's foot and sweat rash. It contains clotrimazole, an antifungal compound that interferes with the cell membranes of fungi.

Fungi produce a substance called ergosterol, and clotrimazole prevents its production. In turn, this forces holes in the cell membrane. Essential parts of the cells leak out, and toxic substances enter, killing the fungi.

A course of treatment should last no longer than seven days. If the infection has not cleared up by then, you should see your doctor or pharmacist for further treatment advice.

You should always use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor and should not share it with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms.

Do not use this cream to treat large areas of skin or on broken skin.

Instructions:

• wash your hands before application
• apply a thin, even layer of the cream to the affected area(s) two or three times daily and rub in gently
• wash your hands thoroughly after applying the cream
• the type and severity of infection will determine the length of your course (follow the advice of your doctor)
• a course will normally last between two and four weeks

If you have athlete’s foot, remember to keep your feet dry, wash your socks thoroughly and change footwear regularly.

If you are using Canesten to treat thrush, please consult your doctor as application instructions may differ.

The topical application of Canesten is well-tolerated, but as with any medicine, there is always the risk of side effects, such as allergic reactions to the active compound.

The most common side effect associated with this cream is skin irritation at the point of application, including blisters, itching, redness, peeling or a rash.

Other common side effects include:

• paraesthesia (pins and needles)
• oedema (fluid retention)

If you suffer either of these two, or any reactions not listed, stop using the cream immediately and inform your doctor.

You should also stop treatment and seek medical attention if you believe you are suffering an allergic reaction.

If you are taking any other medicines, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal remedies, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist. You should also make sure to detail these when completing HealthExpress’ online consultation.

You should not apply this cream to skin that is:

• broken or damaged
• affected by bacterial skin infections
• affected by acne
• showing reactions to vaccinations
• affected by shingles or chickenpox

This cream is for external use only and you should avoid getting it in your eyes, mouth or nose. If this occurs, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clotrimazole or any of its other ingredients. If you experience an allergic reaction, stop using the cream and consult your doctor for medical advice immediately.

Please note, if you are using Canesten for vaginal use, it has been known to damage latex condoms and diaphragms. You should consider a second method of birth control.

Can Canesten be used when pregnant?

It is possible to use Canesten during pregnancy. However, you should still consult your doctor to make sure it is safe for your situation.

When the cream is used to treat vaginal thrush, the doctor might recommend a different application of the medication than normal.

If you are applying Canesten to your breasts, ensure it is thoroughly washed off before breastfeeding (it can be reapplied afterwards).

Always consult your doctor before using this cream if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

You can buy Canesten online to treat jock itch and other conditions after completing our short questionnaire - this is sent to our doctors for verification.

The consultation takes a few minutes to complete and if there are no health concerns, you will receive a valid prescription for your order and the medication within one working day.

All orders are packaged and delivered discreetly.