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Buy clotrimazole cream 1% online
Clotrimazole cream treats fungal skin infections like athlete's foot, ringworm, fungal sweat rash, and fungal nappy rash. It can also relieve itching and irritation around the vulva (external thrush). It contains the active ingredient clotrimazole, an antifungal medicine from a group called imidazoles. Each gram of cream contains 10mg or 1% of clotrimazole.
How does clotrimazole cream 1% work?
When you apply clotrimazole to infected skin, it kills the fungus or yeast causing the infection. Clearing the cause helps to ease symptoms like itching, soreness, and irritation.
How quickly does it work?
The itching and soreness usually start to improve within a few days, while redness and scaling can take longer to go away. If your symptoms don't improve or get worse, speak to your prescriber.
How long should you use it for?
How long you use clotrimazole for depends on what you’re treating:
- Thrush: at least two weeks
- Other fungal skin infections: at least one month
Continue treatment for the recommended duration even if your symptoms improve, as stopping treatment too early may allow the infection to return.
How to use clotrimazole cream 1%
Here's how to use the cream:
- The first time you use a tube, pierce the seal by turning the cap upside down, placing it over the end of the tube, and pressing.
- Wash and dry the affected area. If you're treating your feet, dry carefully between the toes.
- Spread a thin, even layer over the affected area and gently rub it in. Do this 2-3 times a day.
- A 0.5cm strip of cream is enough to cover an area about the size of your hand.
- Wash your hands afterwards so the infection doesn't spread.
- If you forget a dose, apply the cream as soon as you remember, then carry on as normal.
These tips can help the treatment work more effectively:
- Try not to scratch. Scratching damages the skin and can spread the infection.
- Keep the area clean and dry it well, but don't rub too hard.
- Don't share towels or bathmats.
- If you have athlete's foot, wash your socks and tights in hot water and change your shoes every day if you can. An antifungal dusting powder may also help.
Using clotrimazole cream 1% for thrush symptoms
Clotrimazole cream can ease itching and irritation caused by thrush around the vulva or the end of the penis.
Apply a thin layer to the affected area 2-3 times a day and keep using it for at least two weeks. The cream only treats symptoms on the outside of the body. For thrush inside the vagina, you may also need a pessary or an oral treatment.
Can clotrimazole cream 1% affect contraception?
Like other creams, clotrimazole can make rubber contraceptives (like condoms and diaphragms) less effective. If you're using it on the vulva or penis, use another form of contraception during treatment and for at least five days after your last application.
Clotrimazole cream 1% side effects
Most people tolerate clotrimazole very well. However, a small number of people may experience the following:
- itching
- rash or redness
- burning, discomfort, or irritation
- blisters or swelling
- pins and needles
- peeling skin
Mild burning, irritation, redness, or itching can occur when treatment is started and doesn’t always mean you're allergic to the cream.
Stop treatment and seek medical advice if you develop severe irritation, swelling, blistering, or signs of a serious allergic reaction. For further information on side effects, including potentially serious side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet.
Who shouldn't use clotrimazole cream 1%
Don't use clotrimazole cream if you (or your baby) are allergic to clotrimazole or any of the other listed ingredients. Always tell your GP or prescriber if you're taking or using any other medicines, as they may interact with clotrimazole.
Clotrimazole cream 1% and pregnancy or breastfeeding
You can use clotrimazole cream while pregnant or breastfeeding. However, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant or are planning a baby, always tell your doctor, midwife, or pharmacist before you use it.
Storage information
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Store in a cool dry place. Don't use after the expiry date.
Don't smoke or go near naked flames while using this cream, as there’s a risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings, etc.) that has been in contact with this cream burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard.
Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build‑up, but not totally remove it.
Alternatives to clotrimazole cream 1%
Here are some alternatives to clotrimazole cream if it's not quite right for you:
- Canesten 1% clotrimazole cream: The branded version with the same active ingredient and strength, used to treat fungal skin infections and soothe external thrush symptoms.
- Canesten thrush internal cream: A single-dose clotrimazole cream that you insert into the vagina with an applicator to treat the infection where thrush starts.
- Canesten athlete's foot 1% w/w cream: A clotrimazole cream made for athlete's foot that kills the fungus causing the itching, cracking, and peeling between your toes.
- Canesten thrush pessary: A single-dose clotrimazole tablet that you insert into the vagina to treat thrush at the source.
- Clotrimazole and fluconazole duo pack: This pack pairs an oral fluconazole capsule, which treats thrush from the inside, with a clotrimazole cream that relieves external itching and irritation.
- Fluconazole capsules: A single-dose oral treatment for vaginal thrush that clears the infection with just one capsule, without any creams or applicators.
Frequently asked questions about clotrimazole cream 1%
Can you buy clotrimazole cream over-the-counter?
Yes, you're able to buy clotrimazole cream over-the-counter without a prescription.
Is clotrimazole cream 1% the same as Canesten?
Canesten is one of the brand names clotrimazole is sold under, and it's available in different strengths and formulations, including creams, pessaries, and internal creams.
Can you use clotrimazole cream 1% for thrush?
Clotrimazole cream 1% can relieve thrush symptoms around the vulva or the end of the penis. But for thrush inside the vagina, you may also need a pessary or an oral treatment like fluconazole.
Is clotrimazole a steroid?
No, clotrimazole isn't a steroid. It's an antifungal medicine from a group called imidazoles, killing the fungus or yeast causing the infection.
Can I use fluconazole and clotrimazole together?
Yes, they're often used together for thrush. Fluconazole treats the infection from the inside, while clotrimazole cream soothes external symptoms. Some combination packs contain both.
Sources
- Clotrimazole 1% cream patient information leaflet. Electronic medicines
compendium (emc). [Accessed 14th October 2026].
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