Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream 15g

Canesten Hydrocortisone can be applied directly to the inflamed area almost immediately relieving the symptoms of sweat rash. It is the only product you can buy which has the dual-action of clotrimazole with hydrocortisone to eliminate sweat rash. It contains an anti-fungal that works at the root of the problem (Candida), plus hydrocortisone to soothe the symptoms fast.

What is Canesten Hydrocortisone and what is it used for?

Canesten Hydrocortisone is used to treat athlete's foot and fungal sweat rash when there are additional symptoms of inflammation (such as swelling, redness and itching).

Canesten Hydrocortisone treats the fungal skin infection and reduces the swelling and itching caused by it. If you are unsure whether you have one of these fungal skin infections, seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. The active substances in Canesten Hydrocortisone are clotrimazole and hydrocortisone. Clotrimazole belongs to a group of medicines called imidazoles, which destroy the fungi and some bacteria that cause skin infections. Hydrocortisone is a mild steroid which reduces swelling, redness and itching associated with inflammation of the skin.

If Canesten Hydrocortisone has been prescribed for you by your doctor, follow any instructions he/she may have given you. If you purchased this product without a prescription, follow these directions closely:

• Before use, pierce the tube seal by inverting the cap over the end of the tube and press.
• If the feet are infected, they should be washed and dried thoroughly, especially between the toes, before applying the cream.
• Canesten Hydrocortisone should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected areas twice daily and rubbed in gently. Approximately 1cm of cream per application should be enough.
• Do not cover the area being treated with a dressing or bandage.
• As with all products containing hydrocortisone, you should wash your hands immediately after applying the cream.

Treatment should be continued for no more than 7 days. 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 the symptoms persist or do not start to improve after 7 days, consult your doctor.

Do not put the cream in your mouth or swallow it. If the cream is swallowed accidentally, tell your doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest hospital.

For more information on topical steroids and withdrawal reactions click here

Do not use Canesten Hydrocortisone:

• If you have a fungal infection without specific symptoms of inflammation, an antifungal medicine without hydrocortisone may be more appropriate.
• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to clotrimazole, hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients of Canesten Hydrocortisone.
• On areas of broken skin.
• On large areas of skin (more than 5-10% of body surface).
• For longer than 7 days.
• To treat cold sores or acne.
• On your face, eyes, mouth or mucous membranes.
• On any untreated bacterial skin infection, such as syphilis or tuberculosis.
• On vaccination reactions.
• On shingles, chicken pox, rosacea or herpes.

If you are unsure about any of these restrictions, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Unless prescribed by a doctor, you should not use Canesten Hydrocortisone:

• If pregnant or breast-feeding.
• In children under 10 years.
• In the vagina or on the vulva.
• On the penis or scrotum.
• Around the anus.
• To treat ringworm.
• On areas of skin affected by eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis.
• If you are unsure about any of these restrictions, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

This product contains cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin irritation (e.g. rash, itching or redness).

As with all steroids, long-term, continuous use on large areas of skin should be avoided.

Do not cover the area being treated with a dressing or bandage.

Wash your hands immediately after applying the cream.

If you are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying for a baby, tell your doctor or midwife before using Canesten Hydrocortisone. If you have informed your doctor or midwife already, follow his/her instructions carefully.

Do not put the cream in your mouth or swallow it. If the cream is swallowed accidentally, tell your doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest hospital.

Active ingredients: Each gram of cream contains 10mg Clotrimazole and 11.2mg Hydrocortisone Acetate (equivalent to 10mg Hydrocortisone).

Also contains: Benzyl Alcohol, Cetostearyl Alcohol, Triceteareth-4-Phosphate, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Purified Water, Sodium Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid.