Clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat fungal skin infections such as ringworm (fungal skin infection that causes a red scaly rash on different parts of the body), athlete’s foot (fungal infection of the skin on the feet and between the toes), fungal nappy rash and fungal sweat rash. It is also used to relieve irritation of the vulva (external thrush) and irritation occurring at the end of the penis, which may be associated with thrush.

Clotrimazole is effective against Trichophyton species which cause ringworm infection, athlete’s foot, and jock itch (fungal infection of the skin in the groin or buttocks). It is also effective against yeast known as Candida which commonly causes vaginal thrush (infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast called Candida albicans).

The symptoms of skin infection, such as itching or soreness, should improve within a few days of treatment. However, the signs such as redness and scaling may take longer to disappear. Do not stop applying this medicine before the duration advised by your doctor, even if you feel better.

Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying Clotrimazole. If you are using the cream for an infected foot, wash and dry your feet thoroughly before applying the cream, especially between the toes, before applying the cream. Clotrimazole should be applied thinly and evenly and rubbed gently onto the affected areas two or three times daily.

The duration of treatment depends on the type of infection. In general, the treatment is continued for 1 month for tinea infection and for at least 15 days for candida infection. Do not stop the treatment on your own even if you feel better because the infection may come back as it takes some time to kill the fungus.

Clotrimazole is safe for children only if taken as directed by the doctor. It should be given to children in the correct dose only for the prescribed length of time. Minor side effects may occur but usually, they are not bothersome. However, if you develop a burning sensation, redness, and itching (which is severe in nature), stop the medicine and contact your doctor.

Keep the affected skin areas clean and dry but avoid excessive rubbing. You may have the urge to scratch because of itchiness but avoid scratching as it will damage the surface of the skin and cause the infection to spread further. Do not share towels, bath mats, etc. with other people as you could spread the infection to them.

Clotrimazole may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives, like diaphragms and condoms. If you are using the cream on the vulva or penis, you should use alternative methods of contraception, for at least 5 days after using Clotrimazole.

Candida is a yeast which is a form of fungus. It causes infections such as candidiasis or thrush in humans and other animals. Candida infections are not usually contagious, though in some cases people with weak immune systems can catch the infection. The infection does not usually spread by sexual contact. Candida infection can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment. However, if left untreated then it can result in a serious infection.