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Clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine.

It’s used to treat skin infections caused by a fungus (yeast).

Clotrimazole treats different types of fungal infections including:

athlete’s foot

ringworm

fungal nail infection

infected nappy rash

rash in folds of skin (intertrigo)

thrush

If you’re looking for information on treating thrush, read clotrimazole for thrush.

Clotrimazole is available as a cream, spray and a solution that you put on your skin. The treatment you use will depend on where the infection is on your body.

You can buy clotrimazole from a pharmacy or supermarket.

Key facts:

It usually takes 7 days for fungal infections to improve.

Apply clotrimazole to the infected area 2 or 3 times a day for at least 2 weeks.

The most common side effect of clotrimazole is irritation in the area where you apply the treatment.

Clotrimazole is also known by the brand name Canesten.

3. Who can and cannot use clotrimazole

Clotrimazole cream, spray and solution can be used by most adults and children.

Clotrimazole is not suitable for everyone. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell a doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to clotrimazole or any other medicines in the past.

How and when to use clotrimazole:

How long you use clotrimazole for depends on the type of infection you have.

It’s best to use it for at least 2 weeks, even if all signs of the infection have gone, to stop it from coming back. It can be used for up to 4 weeks if needed.

Apply clotrimazole to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. It will work better if you use it 3 times a day.

If the affected area is large or hairy, it’s best to use either the spray or solution.

If you’re using clotrimazole on your feet, make sure you wash and thoroughly dry your feet, especially between your toes, before applying clotrimazole.

How to use clotrimazole cream:

Apply clotrimazole cream to the affected area. Use the cream on your skin only. A strip of cream (0.5cm long) is enough to treat an area the size of your hand. Avoid putting it near your mouth, lips and eyes.

Side effects:

Like all medicines, clotrimazole can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Side effects usually go away when you stop using it.

Common side effects

Talk to a pharmacist or doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away:

red, irritated skin

pain or a burning or stinging sensation

If the side effects do not go away, try using a smaller amount of the treatment or stop using it completely.