Clotrimazole 1% Cream Product Information
Clotrimazole 1% Cream is a topical antifungal treatment containing the active ingredient clotrimazole, which disrupts the cell membrane of fungi and yeasts to help manage a range of fungal skin infections. It is commonly used to treat external fungal skin infections such as thrush-related irritation, ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch and fungal sweat rash.
Clotrimazole 1% Cream contains the same active ingredient and strength as Canesten External 1% Cream. Clotrimazole 1% Cream is the generic (unbranded) version, while Canesten Cream is the branded equivalent, which is why generic Clotrimazole is a cheaper option.
Clotrimazole 1% Cream is a topical antifungal treatment that belongs to the imidazole class of antifungals. The active ingredient, clotrimazole, works on the surface of the skin to help control the growth of fungi and yeasts responsible for common fungal skin infections.
The cream is supplied in 20g and 50g tubes and is suitable for most adults and children over 12 years of age. For babies, young children, or if you are unsure whether the rash is fungal, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use.
As a Pharmacy (P) medicine, it can be supplied after a brief pharmacist assessment, which Pharmica handles as part of the online ordering process.
Clotrimazole 1% Cream is used to treat a range of external fungal skin infections, including
- Thrush (candidal infections), including external symptoms of vaginal thrush and male thrush (candidal balanitis)
- Ringworm (tinea corporis), a fungal infection that typically forms a ring-shaped, scaly rash on the body
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis), a fungal infection of the feet, particularly between the toes
- Jock itch (tinea cruris), a fungal infection that affects the groin and inner thighs
- Fungal sweat rash (intertrigo), often found in skin folds
- Fungal nappy rash, where advised by your doctor or pharmacist
Clotrimazole 1% Cream may also be recommended by a healthcare professional for some other fungal skin infections, such as pityriasis versicolor, which can cause lighter, darker, pink or brown patches of skin.
Clotrimazole 1% Cream is not suitable for fungal nail or scalp infections, as the cream does not penetrate the nail bed or hair follicles in sufficient quantities to clear these types of infection. Other formulations or prescription treatments may be needed.
For internal vaginal thrush, an internal treatment such as Canesten Pessary, Canesten Duo or Fluconazole may be more appropriate.
Clotrimazole works by disrupting the production of ergosterol, a key component of the fungal cell membrane. Without intact ergosterol, the fungal cell membrane becomes leaky and the fungus is unable to grow or multiply.
This action covers a broad range of fungi and yeasts, including Candida albicans (which causes thrush) and dermatophyte fungi that cause ringworm, athlete's foot and jock itch. As the fungal infection improves, symptoms such as itching, redness and irritation usually begin to settle.
Clotrimazole 1% Cream: Our Pharmacist's Advice
"Clotrimazole 1% Cream is one of the most widely used antifungal treatments in the UK and is used for many common external fungal infections, including thrush, ringworm, athlete's foot and jock itch. One important step patients often miss is continuing treatment after symptoms have improved. Stopping as soon as the itch settles can allow the infection to return.
Apply Clotrimazole 1% Cream to the affected area and a small margin of surrounding skin, as fungal cells may be present just beyond the visible edge of the rash. Avoid the eyes, the inside of the mouth and the inside of the vagina.
Generic Clotrimazole 1% Cream contains the same active ingredient and strength as Canesten 1% Cream and works the same way, although inactive ingredients and packaging may differ.”
Always use Clotrimazole 1% Cream as described in the patient information leaflet or as advised by your pharmacist.
To use Clotrimazole 1% Cream:
- Before first use, pierce the tube seal by inverting the cap over the end of the tube and pressing
- Wash and dry the affected area thoroughly before applying the cream. For athlete's foot, take particular care to dry between the toes
- Apply a thin and even layer of cream to the affected area and the surrounding skin, then rub in gently
- Apply two to three times daily, or as advised by your pharmacist or doctor.
- A strip of cream about half a centimetre long is enough to cover an area roughly the size of the hand
- Wash your hands after application unless your hands are the area being treated
Treatment duration depends on the type and site of infection. Symptoms such as itching or soreness may improve within a few days, but red or scaly skin can take longer to clear. Continue treatment for at least 2 weeks after symptoms have cleared, unless the patient information leaflet or a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
- Candidal infections, including external thrush symptoms: usually at least 2 weeks
- Dermatophyte infections, including ringworm, athlete's foot and jock itch: usually at least 4 weeks
Do not continue treatment beyond the recommended course unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist.
Most people start to notice an improvement in itching, redness and irritation within a few days of starting Clotrimazole 1% Cream. The visible signs of the infection, such as scaling, soreness or rash, may take longer to disappear and depend on the type and severity of the infection.
To help prevent the infection from returning, continue treatment for at least 2 weeks after symptoms have cleared, unless the leaflet or a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
Speak to a pharmacist or GP if your symptoms do not start to improve within 7 days, get worse, keep returning, or have not cleared after the recommended treatment course. You should also seek advice if the rash is on your face, scalp, nails or genitals, if you are unsure whether the rash is fungal, or if you have pain, discharge, ulcers, fever or signs of infection.
Clotrimazole 1% Cream and Canesten 1% Cream contain the same active ingredient at the same strength (clotrimazole 1%) and are used to manage many of the same fungal skin infections. However, the inactive ingredients and packaging may differ.
- Clotrimazole 1% Cream is the generic (unbranded) version. It is typically the more affordable option, because there are no brand-development or marketing costs built into the price.
- Canesten 1% Cream is the original branded product, manufactured by Bayer. Some patients prefer the familiarity of the branded packaging, particularly if they have used Canesten previously.
Both are UK-regulated medicines containing clotrimazole 1%, so the choice usually comes down to product preference, tolerance of inactive ingredients and price.
No, Clotrimazole is not a steroid. Clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine that belongs to the imidazole class, and it works by targeting the cell membrane of fungi and yeasts rather than reducing inflammation in the way a steroid does.
Combination products such as Canesten HC (Hydrocortisone with Clotrimazole) do contain a mild steroid (hydrocortisone 1%) alongside clotrimazole, but Clotrimazole 1% Cream on its own contains no steroid component.
Yes, Clotrimazole 1% Cream can be used to help manage the external symptoms of thrush, including itching, redness and soreness around the vulva or penis.
For internal vaginal thrush, an internal treatment such as Canesten Pessary, Canesten Duo (which contains both an internal pessary and an external cream) or oral Fluconazole is more appropriate. Clotrimazole 1% Cream is not designed to be used inside the vagina.
For male thrush, often referred to as candidal balanitis, a thin layer of Clotrimazole 1% Cream applied two to three times daily to the head of the penis and under the foreskin can help manage the infection. Follow the patient information leaflet or your pharmacist's advice on treatment duration. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, recurrent, associated with discharge, ulcers, pain when passing urine, or possible STI exposure.
Yes, Clotrimazole 1% Cream is suitable for managing ringworm (tinea corporis), a fungal infection that typically appears as a circular, scaly, red rash on the body.
Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area and a small margin of surrounding skin two to three times daily. Treatment should be continued for at least four weeks, even if the rash appears to have cleared sooner, to help prevent recurrence.
Ringworm can spread between people, so it is important to avoid sharing towels, bed linen and clothing during treatment, and to wash hands after each application.
Yes, Clotrimazole 1% Cream can be used to help manage jock itch (tinea cruris), a fungal infection that affects the groin, inner thighs and can sometimes spread towards the buttocks.
Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area two to three times daily, following the recommended treatment course, which may last for up to four weeks. Keep the area clean and dry, wear loose-fitting cotton underwear and avoid sharing towels during treatment.
Clotrimazole 1% Cream should only be used on the face if a fungal infection, such as ringworm of the face (tinea faciei), is likely or has been confirmed. Keep it away from the eyes, lips and inside of the mouth.
Not all rashes on the face are fungal. Conditions such as eczema, rosacea, seborrhoeic dermatitis and acne may look similar but require different treatments. Consult with your GP before applying an antifungal cream to your face.
Yes, Clotrimazole 1% Cream is a Pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK, which means it can be supplied without a prescription following a brief pharmacist assessment. It is available over the counter at most high-street pharmacies, as well as online from registered UK pharmacies such as Pharmica.
When you order Clotrimazole 1% Cream from Pharmica, a registered pharmacist reviews each order to confirm that the treatment is suitable before it is dispatched in discreet packaging. There is no need to book a GP appointment or supply a prescription.
Clotrimazole 1% Cream is suitable for most adults and children over 12 years of age.
Do not use Clotrimazole 1% Cream if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to clotrimazole, cetostearyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet
- Plan to use it to treat a fungal nail infection or a scalp infection, as the cream does not penetrate these areas effectively
- Are unsure whether your rash is caused by a fungal infection, particularly on the face or in sensitive areas
- Are treating a child under 12 years of age without medical advice
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding, speak with a pharmacist or GP before using the cream.
Clotrimazole 1% Cream is generally considered suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult with your doctor, pharmacist or midwife if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding before using it.
If you are breastfeeding and using Clotrimazole 1% Cream on or near the nipple area, the affected area should be wiped clean before feeding. Wash your hands thoroughly after each application to avoid transferring the cream to your baby.
Most people tolerate Clotrimazole 1% Cream well, although side effects can occur. Possible side effects include:
- Redness, itching, burning, stinging or irritation at the application site
- Skin rash or peeling in the treated area
Stop using the cream and speak to a pharmacist or GP if irritation is severe or persistent, or if you develop blistering, swelling or signs of an allergic reaction.
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, fainting or a widespread rash.
The active ingredient is clotrimazole 1% w/w. The other ingredients can vary depending on the manufacturer, so always check the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Some clotrimazole creams contain ingredients such as cetostearyl alcohol or benzyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions or mild irritation in some people.
Clotrimazole 1% External Cream Overview
Information Leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.
Important: We advise you to always read the patient information leaflet inside the medication box, as the generic medication may not always entirely match the patient information leaflet listed. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Written and reviewed by our qualified team
Content last updated:
12 May 2026