Treatment guidelines

An antifungal treatment should ideally have a broad spectrum of actions as symptoms of fungal infection can vary, making diagnosis difficult. It is important to alleviate symptoms; however, getting rid of the organism must take priority in order to prevent repeat infection.1

Many topical and oral treatments for fungal skin infections are available. Topical antifungals are effective against most infections and have the benefit of being applied directly to the site of infection, avoiding excess absorption.1 Imidazoles (e.g. clotrimazole) are antifungal agents which are effective against all common dermatophytes and yeasts.2-7 They also have some anti-bacterial activity which makes them particularly useful in cases where mixed infections may be present.2-7 They are not associated with systemic side effects, which makes them suitable for topical use during pregnancy (after consultation with a doctor).8,9

 

Polyene antibiotics (e.g. nystatin) are effective against yeast and moulds but have no effect against dermatophytes or antibacterial action.1,6-8,10

Topical corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone can reduce inflammation in inflamed fungal infections relieving itching and soreness. If corticosteroids are used alone they may improve symptoms but fungal infection will continue to spread.1

Canesten products are available either on prescription or over the counter from a pharmacy. The table below provides a comprehensive guide to the presentations you can recommend (OTC) and those that must be prescribed (Rx).

Click here to view our skin product range

  Product OTC / Rx Suitable treatment for...
Athlete's
Foot		 Sweat
Rash		 Jock
Itch 		Ringworm Nappy
Rash		 Fungal Ear Infection
   

Canesten® 1% Cream
(clotrimazole)

20g and 50g tubes available

> Product information
> SmPC | > PIL

 OTC √ tick tick tick tick tick  
 

Canesten® 1%
Dermatological Spray
(clotrimazole)

> Product information
> SmPC | > PIL

 OTC √ tick tick tick tick    
 

Canesten® 1% Solution (clotrimazole)

> Product information
> SmPC | > PIL

 OTC √ tick tick tick tick   tick
Inflamed fungal skin infections (P)Inflamed fungal skin infections (POM)  

Canesten® HC 30g
(clotrimazole + hydrocortisone)

> Prescribing information
> SmPC | > PIL

 Rx √ tick tick tick tick    
 
where there is associated inflammation
 
 
   

Canesten®
Hydrocortisone 15g†
(clotrimazole + hydrocortisone)

> Product information
> SmPC | > PIL

 OTC √ tick tick        
where there is associated inflammation
Athlete's Foot range (GSL)  


Canesten® AF
Dual Action 1% Cream
(clotrimazole)

15g and 30g tubes available

> Product information
> SmPC | > PIL

 OTC √ tick   tick      
 

Canesten® AF
Dual Action 1% Spray
(clotrimazole)

> Product information
> SmPC | > PIL

 OTC √ tick   tick      

 

† POM pack also available as Canesten HC 30g

Designed and developed by Oi Media Ltd

References:

  1. Chu TC. Medicine Group Review 1990:1-8.
  2. Lizkay M et al. Haut Dermatologie Phlebologie Allergologie 1995; 7:1-10.
  3. Gupta AK et al. Drugs 1998; 55(5): 645-674.
  4. Clayton YM et al. Br J Dermatol 1973; 89: 297-303.
  5. Hay RJ. Clin Exp Dermatol 1992; 17(Suppl. 1): 2-5.
  6. Roberts D. The Practitioner 1993; 237: 153-157.
  7. Meis FGM et al. Drugs 2001; 62(Suppl. 1): 13-25.
  8. Kodja G. Pharmakologie/Toxikologie systematisch 1997; Bremen: Uni-Med.
  9. Duhm B et al. Postgrad Med J 1974; 7: 13-17.
  10. Zuber TJ et al. Postgrad Med 2001; 109(1): 117-132.