Clotrimazole

What is Clotrimazole cream?

Clotrimazole cream is an antifungal treatment that works against fungal skin infections. It’s commonly used to treat ringworm, jock itch, tinea versicolor. and a range of other conditions like thrush, nappy rash, or paronychia (infection of the fingernails or toenails)

It’s a topical cream, so you rub it into your skin where the signs of infection are and it kills off the fungal cells causing the infection. This gets rid of your symptoms.

How does Clotrimazole cream work?

The active ingredient in Clotrimazole cream, clotrimazole, is a type of medication called an imidazole. It works by damaging the membrane of the fungus cell and blocking their ability to make a substance called ergosterol. Ergosterol keeps the fungus cells alive and helps them multiply.^[1]

By damaging the fungus cells and stopping them from multiplying, Clotrimazole cream is effective against fungal infections of the skin. Your immune system can then kill off the remaining damaged fungus cells to end the infection.

What doses of Clotrimazole cream are there?

Clotrimazole cream contains 1% of the active ingredient, so each gram of cream contains 10mg of clotrimazole. You will usually apply the cream two or three times a day for at least two weeks. How often and how long you use Clotrimazole for will depend on what type of infection you have and how bad your symptoms are.^[2]

How to use Clotrimazole cream

Always use Clotrimazole cream exactly as your clinician tells you.

• If it’s your first time using the cream, pierce the top with the cap. If the seal is already broken, don’t use it.
• Make sure the infected area is clean and dry before using the cream. If you’re treating a fungal infection of the feet, make sure you wash and dry between your toes.
• Wash your hands and squeeze the right amount of Clotrimazole cream onto your hand. A half-centimetre strip of cream should be enough for an area the size of a hand.
• Apply the cream evenly to the infected area, rubbing it in gently.^[1]

How long does it take Clotrimazole cream to work?

Clotrimazole cream should start reducing the itching and soreness within a few days. Other symptoms like redness and scaliness may take longer to disappear. If you’re using it for tinea versicolor, your skin pigmentation should return to normal in a few weeks. It’s important to keep using Clotrimazole for as long as your clinician says, even if your symptoms get better. This will stop the infection from coming back.^[1]

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

Don’t apply Clotrimazole cream to cracked or broken skin, as it may cause discomfort and a burning sensation. If you forget to use Clotrimazole, just apply it as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next application, just skip the missed one and continue with your treatment. Don’t use more Clotrimazole cream than usual to make up for forgetting some.

If you apply too much Clotrimazole cream, just wash off the extra. Not a lot of Clotrimazole cream is absorbed into your system from your skin, so there shouldn’t be any adverse effects. Be careful not to swallow Clotrimazole cream or get it in your eyes or mouth. If you do, wash out the area and seek medical attention.