Clotrimazole for Skin

Clotrimazole is an antifungal agent that fights fungal skin infections. It helps to treat fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, fungal sweat rash, and fungal nappy rash. It is also used to relieve irritation of the vulva or the end of the penis, which may be associated with thrush.

Clotrimazole cream is also used for the treatment of tinea versicolor. It is also available as a non-prescription item which is indicated for the topical treatment of tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis.

Do not use Clotrimazole:

• If you (or your baby if treating fungal nappy rash) are allergic to clotrimazole or any of the other ingredients present in this medicine.

• Tell your doctor if you have used a cream containing clotrimazole or any similar medicines before and suffered an allergic skin reaction.

• Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines without a prescription.

• Clotrimazole may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives, such as diaphragms or condoms. If you are using this cream on the vulva or penis, you should use alternative methods for at least five days after using this product.

• Clotrimazole cream can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding (tell your doctor before using Clotrimazole).

• Clotrimazole will not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

• Clotrimazole contains cetostearyl alcohol (may cause local skin reactions) and benzyl alcohol which (may cause mild local irritation).

• Clotrimazole should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected areas twice or thrice daily and rubbed gently.

• A strip of cream (½ cm long) is enough to treat an area about the size of the hand.

• The duration of the treatment depends on the type of infection. Use the cream for at least two weeks for candida (thrush) infections or at least one month for other infections.

• If you have an athlete’s foot, you can use an antifungal dusting powder as well.

• The symptoms of skin infection such as itching or soreness should improve within a few days of treatment although signs such as redness and scaling may take longer to disappear. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

You can help the treatment work if you follow these tips:

• Although the infected area will itch, try not to scratch it as it could cause the infection to spread further.

• Keep the affected skin areas clean.

• Pay attention to drying the skin, but avoid excessive rubbing.

• Do not share towels, bath mats, etc. with other people as you could spread the infection to them.

• Always wash your hands after treating the infection to prevent it from spreading.

• If you have athlete’s foot:
  • Remember to dry the skin between the toes thoroughly.
  • Wash your socks, stockings,, and tights thoroughly in hot water to remove any shed skin or fungal spores.
  • Change your footwear daily if possible.

If you or your baby experience an allergic reaction, stop using Clotrimazole and tell your doctor straight away.

Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

• Rash
• Swallowing or breathing problems
• Swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue
• Weakness, feeling dizzy or faint
• Nausea

After you apply the cream you might experience:

Itching, rash, blisters, irritation, pins and needles, burning, discomfort, swelling, redness, or peeling of the skin which means that you are allergic to the cream.

The active substance is clotrimazole. Each gram of cream contains 10 mg of clotrimazole.

The other ingredients are cetyl esters wax, benzyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, octyldodecanol, sorbitan monostearate, and purified water.

Yes, Clotrimazole can be used to treat eczema and is completely safe.

Yes, Clotrimazole can be used for ear infections and is completely safe.

No, Clotrimazole shouldn’t be used for nail fungus as it is ineffective and won’t penetrate the skin.

Yes, Clotrimazole can be used for breast yeast infection and is completely safe.

Yes, Clotrimazole can be used to treat perioral dermatitis but might also worsen the condition.

No, Clotrimazole shouldn’t be used to treat acne, blemishes, or pimples.

Yes, Clotrimazole can be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp and face but might also worsen the condition.

Yes, Clotrimazole can be used to treat fungal acne and is completely safe.

Yes, Clotrimazole can be used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa but won’t be as effective as topical or oral antibiotics.