This medicine is available without prescription. However, you still need to use Canesten Cream carefully to get the best results from it.

• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.
• You must contact a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• If you have any unusual effects after using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

1. What is Canesten Cream and what is it used for?
2. Before you use Canesten Cream
3. How to use Canesten Cream
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Canesten Cream
6. Further information

• If you (or your baby if treating nappy rash) are allergic (hypersensitive) to clotrimazole or any of the other ingredients, including cetostearyl alcohol or benzyl alcohol, of Canesten Cream.
• To treat nail or scalp infections.

This product contains cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis). The medicine also contains 20mg benzyl alcohol in each gram of cream.

Benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions and mild local irritation.

Do not smoke or go near naked flames - risk of severe burns.

Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.

As with other creams, Canesten Cream may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives, such as condoms or diaphragms. Consequently, if you are using this cream on the vulva or penis, you should use alternative precautions for at least five days after using this product.

Canesten Cream can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying for a baby, tell your doctor or midwife before using Canesten Cream.

If you have informed your doctor or midwife already, follow his/her instructions carefully.

If used on the nipple area, wash your breasts before breastfeeding.

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.

If you accidentally get cream in your eyes or mouth, wash immediately with water and contact your doctor.

Apply the cream as soon as possible and then continue the rest of your treatment as usual.

• Although the infected area will itch, try not to scratch. Scratching will damage the surface of the skin and cause the infection to spread further.
• Keep the affected skin areas clean.
• Pay particular attention to drying the skin, but avoid excessive rubbing.
• Do not share towels, bath mats, etc. with other people as you could spread the infection to them.
• Always wash your hands after treating the infection to prevent it from spreading.

• Remember to dry the skin between the toes thoroughly.
• Wash your socks, stockings and tights thoroughly in hot water to remove any shed skin or fungal spores.
• Change your footwear daily if possible.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

• The active substance is clotrimazole at a strength of 1% w/w.
• The other ingredients are benzyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, cetyl palmitate, cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol and purified water.
  See Section 2 ‘Do not use’ and ‘Important information about some of the ingredients’ for cetosteary and benzyl alcohol advice.

Canesten Cream is available in tubes containing 20g and 50g of white cream. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Remember: If you have any doubts about using Canesten^® Cream correctly, seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

Fungal infections are very common and affect many people.

Some of the most common fungal skin infections include athlete’s foot, nappy rash, sweat rash and ringworm.

There are two main types of fungal infection:

• The tinea group, also known as dermatophytes.
• The candida group, also known as yeasts.

The tinea group includes athlete’s foot and ringworm, both of which are easily spread by contact. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot usually lives harmlessly on our skin and in our environment. The natural balance that normally keeps it under control can be upset by factors such as damp moist conditions.

This could happen, for example, through regularly wearing training shoes that keep the feet hot and sweaty. Since this fungus is contagious, it can also often be picked up in changing rooms. Ringworm is usually passed on from animals to children. Ringworm is not actually a worm, its name comes from the circular wormlike shape that it forms on the skin. The main symptom for both is an itchy, scaly and irritating rash.

The candida group can be responsible for conditions such as sweat rash and thrush. Sweat rash can appear anywhere on the body, but is more likely to occur where folds of skin rub against each other, such as: under the breasts, under arms, around the groin and on the back. Candida is a yeast-like fungus that usually lives harmlessly on our skin. However, the natural balance that normally keeps it under control can be upset by factors such as sweating, tight or synthetic clothing and cosmetic preparations such as bath additives. When levels of the yeast increase, the skin can develop the following symptoms: persistent burning and itching, soreness and a variety of patches or blemishes as well as a softened and soggy appearance.

The candida group can also be responsible for nappy rash. Most babies develop nappy rash at some stage. Although this is rarely a serious condition, the rash can be extremely distressing for both you and your baby. Nappy rash which lasts longer than three days may be fungal in origin and will require an antifungal treatment. The symptoms of fungal nappy rash include red patches on the baby’s bottom and genitals, burning and itching.

For UK residents only: if you have any questions or would like more information, call our Canesten Advice Line on 0845 758 5030. Calls charged at local rate.