Clotrimazole

What is Clotrimazole?

Clotrimazole is a cream that’s often used for fungal infections, but it’s also an effective treatment for seborrhoeic dermatitis. You apply it straight to your scalp, face or upper trunk where you have red and flaky patches of skin.

Clotrimazole soothes flare-ups of seborrhoeic dermatitis as well as treating the underlying cause. So using it during flare-ups can help prevent you from having more in the future.

How does Clotrimazole work?

Clotrimazole is a type of antifungal called an azole, so it’s good at killing off fungus cells on the skin. It works by damaging the outer membranes of the fungus cells and stopping them from producing ergosterol, a substance that keeps them alive. ^[1]

Clotrimazole works for seborrhoeic dermatitis by attacking the Malassezia species of yeast, which are a type of fungus. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is caused by your immune system reacting to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast. This causes the sebum glands in your skin to become inflamed and leads to the flaking, redness and itching of seborrhoeic dermatitis. Clotrimazole brings down the inflammation by destroying the Malassezia yeast. ^[2]

What doses of Clotrimazole are there?

Clotrimazole cream comes as a cream containing 1% of the active ingredient clotrimazole. Your clinician will tell you exactly how much Clotrimazole to use based on your symptoms. You’ll usually need to use it twice or thrice a day for at least two weeks, whenever you have a flare-up of seborrhoeic dermatitis. ^[3]

How to use Clotrimazole

Always use Clotrimazole as your clinician tells you. If you have any questions, go back and ask them.

• If you’re using it for the first time, pierce the tube with the spike on the top of the cap.
• Try to make sure your skin is clean and dry before using Clotrimazole.
• Apply a thin and even layer of the cream onto the affected areas.
• Rub the Clotrimazole into your skin gently.
• Wash and dry your hands. ^[1]

How long does it take Clotrimazole to work?

The itching and irritation on your skin should be improved within a few days of starting Clotrimazole treatment. Redness and scaly or flaky patches may take longer to disappear. Always use Clotrimazole for as long as directed by your clinician, so its full effects can take hold.

If your symptoms haven’t improved within a few weeks, go back to your clinician or message us if you’re using our service. There are a range of effective treatments for seborrhoeic dermatitis you can try.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Clotrimazole?

If you accidentally get Clotrimazole cream in your eyes, wash it out with clean water. Contact your clinician if you experience any symptoms like blurred vision or soreness. Covering your eyes with a towel while applying Clotrimazole may help you avoid this. If you accidentally swallow some, rinse out your mouth and seek medical attention right away.

If you forget to use Clotrimazole, just use it as soon as possible. If it’s nearly time for your next application, just skip that dose and wait for the next one. Don’t use extra Clotrimazole to make up for missing some. Don’t stop taking Clotrimazole just because it’s working, use the full course your clinician prescribed. Stopping treatment too early may cause your symptoms to come back. ^[1]