Clotrimazole Cream

What is Clotrimazole?

Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication which is effective against yeast infections. Yeast infections, including thrush, are caused by the fungus Candida Albicans. Symptoms of thrush include:

• Redness, itching or burning around the head of the penis and under the foreskin
• A white discharge akin to cottage cheese
• An unpleasant smell
• Difficulty pulling the foreskin back

What are yeast infections?

When the Candida fungus proliferates it causes yeast infections. Candida normally lives in the body without causing problems e.g. in the gut, but when it grows too quickly it can be harmful and cause an infection. Many different factors can precipitate this including antibiotics stress and excessive moisture, which create favorable conditions for Candida to grow. The common symptoms outlined above for thrush can be a cause of discomfort. It is important to get treated to avoid complications like further infection, fatigue, and recurrence.

What causes male yeast infections?

When Candida albicans proliferates, it can cause a yeast infection. Candida normally lives in the body without causing problems (e.g. in the gut), but when it multiplies too quickly, it can be harmful and cause an infection. Many different factors can precipitate this, including antibiotics, stress, excessive moisture and corticosteroid use, which can create favorable conditions for Candida to grow.  Additionally, individuals with underlying medical issues such as diabetes or any condition affecting the immune system, may be more prone to developing thrush.  

Thrush is normally a superficial infection, however, left untreated it can cause significant complications.  Complications of thrush, although uncommon in healthy individuals, may include bacterial skin infections or an infection which invades the blood, valves of the heart and even the brain.

How does Clotrimazole cream work?

Clotrimazole kills the yeast, Candida, by creating holes in its cell membrane. This causes the contents of the cell to leak out and the yeast to die.  As a result, the infection clears up. 

How long does it take for Clotrimazole cream to work?

Normally your thrush should clear within 1 week. Make sure you use the medicine regularly as advised to ensure the best chance of treatment success.

Active ingredients

The active ingredient in Clotrimazole cream is Clotrimazole 1%
Clotrimazole-Betamethasone cream contains Clotrimazole 1%, Betamethasone 0.05% as the active ingredients.

Inactive ingredients

Inactive ingredients can vary between different manufacturers. The inactive ingredients in Canesten's Clotrimazole cream are benzyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, cetyl palmitate, cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol and purified water.

Remember to check the label before use and before use ensure you are free of allergies to the ingredients. 

Which ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

In very rare cases, there has been a severe allergic reaction to this cream. The symptoms of a severe allergic reaction are as follows: struggling to breathe, a newfound rash on the body, swelling in the body, or dizziness. Get immediate medical attention if you notice these symptoms. A few inactive ingredients in the cream are alcohols which can cause you some local inflammation and reddening of the skin the cream is applied to. 

How to use Clotrimazole Cream

You should always follow your doctor's instructions when using any prescription treatment. For Clotrimazole, generally, you should: 

1. Wash your hands
2. Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area. As a guide, squeezing a line of cream onto the end of your finger (approx. 0.5cm), should be enough to treat an area the size of your hand. 
3. Do this twice a day for 7 days. 

Remember to apply the medicine as directed by your doctor. To get the most from your treatment wash your hands after application as this will help avoid the spread of infection to other parts of your body. See the bottom of our Q&A section for our other top tips. 

Do I need to use Clotrimazole after my symptoms have resolved?

We recommend that you continue the treatment for one week after the rash has resolved. This ensures the yeast is completely cleared and the infection is unlikely to reoccur. 

What if I forget to use Clotrimazole?

Do not worry if this happens. Apply as soon as you remember and then stick to your normal schedule of application. 

Clotrimazole side effects

Side effects are uncommon when using Clotrimazole cream. Possible side effects of Clotrimazole cream include:

• Skin rash
• Hives
• Blisters
• Burning sensation
• Itching
• Peeling
• Redness
• Stinging
• Swelling

If you experience any of these side effects, you should speak to your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any severe side effects. It is also possible to have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in response to Clotrimazole. If you experience any of these symptoms you should seek immediate medical attention or call an ambulance:

• A marked skin rash
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of the face

For a full list of side effects refer to the patient information leaflet inside the medicine packet. 

Drug interactions

There are no known problems with using other medication alongside Clotrimazole creams. However, inform your doctor about any other over-the-counter medication, vitamins and herbal products you are taking. 

Clotrimazole precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to it. Use as directed and only on the skin. 

How to get rid of a male yeast infection fast

Here are ways to beat that thrush fast and other top tips:

• Avoid scratching the area
• Avoid sharing towels
• After washing or showering dry yourself particularly your skin folds - avoid damp environments that favor fungal growth
• Avoid tight-fitting synthetic clothing for the same reasons. You can opt for loose cotton or other natural fiber clothing. 
• It usually takes a week for fungal infections to clear but treating for at least 2 weeks to be sure and prevent recurrence is recommended.
• If there is no improvement make an appointment with a doctor. 
• Store the medicine appropriately in a cool, dry environment away from direct heat and light.

What else can I do to best overcome a yeast infection?

Clotrimazole cream is an effective treatment for yeast infections, however, there are several things you can do to help:

• Avoid scratching the area
• Avoid sharing towels
• After washing or showering dry yourself particularly your skin folds - avoid damp environments that favor fungal growth
• Avoid tight-fitting synthetic clothing for the same reasons. You can opt for loose cotton or other natural fiber clothing. 
• It usually takes a week for fungal infections to clear but treating for at least 2 weeks to be sure and prevent recurrence is recommended.
• If there is no improvement after 2 weeks make an appointment with a doctor. 
• Store the medicine appropriately in a cool, dry environment away from direct heat and light.

Which cream is right for me: Clotrimazole or Clotrimazole-Betamethasone?

Both Clotrimazole cream and combination creams using Clotrimazole and a corticosteroid (such as betamethasone) are approved by the FDA.  The combination therapy may be useful if you have marked inflammation and soreness of the skin. However, caution must be taken using steroid containing creams on the genitals. They must be used sparingly to avoid skin thinning. 

Is there any difference between branded and generic Clotrimazole creams?

Several brand names exist for Clotrimazole creams. All essentially have the same active ingredient which is clotrimazole. Generics are usually cheaper.

What cream to use for male yeast infection?

Other antifungal topical treatments are available for example:

• Econazole
• Ketoconazole
• Miconazole
• Tioconazole 
• Terbinafine
• Amorolfine

While other options are available as mentioned, clotrimazole is commonly used for successfully treating thrush.
 

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