Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream is a treatment for athlete's foot and fungal sweat rash. It is used when these conditions are accompanied by symptoms of inflammation such as swelling, redness and itching.

How Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream works

Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream contains the active ingredients clotrimazole and hydrocortisone acetate.

Clotrimazole belongs to a group of medicines known as imidazoles. It works by destroying fungi and some bacteria that cause skin infections.

Hydrocortisone acetate is a mild steroid that reduces swelling, redness and itching associated with skin inflammation.

Directions

Always use Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor / pharmacist has told you. 

If you are using this product to treat your feet, they must be washed before treatment. Make sure you dry your feet thoroughly before applying the cream.

Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area and gently rub it in. Repeat the process twice daily.

Do not cover the treated area with a dressing or bandage. 

Once you have applied the product to the skin, wash your hands thoroughly.

Do not use this cream for more than 7 days.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream may cause side effects in some people, but these won’t affect everybody. Common side effects include skin irritation such as:

• Itching
• Rashes
• Blisters
• Burning 
• Discomfort 
• Irritation 
• Swelling
• Redness
• Peeling of the skin

If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Serious side effects

Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, symptoms of which include swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, breathing difficulties and/or loss of consciousness.

Warnings

Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream may be unsuitable for certain people. Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

Do not use this product:

• On broken areas of skin
• To treat cold sores or acne 
• On your face, eyes or mouth
• On any untreated bacterial skin infection e.g. syphilis or tuberculosis
• On vaccination reactions
• On shingles, chicken pox, rosacea or herpes
• In the vagina or on the vulva
• On the penis or scrotum 
• To treat ringworm 
• On areas of eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis 

Using/taking other medicines

If you are taking or have recently taken any medication, including medication obtained without a prescription, talk to your GP or pharmacist before using this product.

Age restrictions 

This product is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, you must ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using any new product. 

Storage information

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after using this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.