Clotrimazole Cream: Everything You Need To Know

Over 300 million people across the globe may be affected by severe fungal infections yearly. Here, Clotrimazole cream is the best topical ointment to treat fungal infections. This antifungal cream is also commonly prescribed with oral antibiotics to treat rosacea and other bacterial skin infections. It is also used to treat a rash or eliminate dandruff on the scalp. In addition, it can help in adjunct therapy (other treatment used with primary treatment) in patients with pityriasis Versicolor, but it is ineffective as a first-line treatment for seborrheic dermatitis. Other clotrimazole cream uses may include treating skin diseases such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections. Keep reading about Clotrimazole cream use, benefits, side effects, and related precautions and warnings!

About Clotrimazole: A Fungal Infection Cream 

Clotrimazole cream is an FDA-approved topical antifungal cream that effectively treats almost every fungal or yeast infection on the skin. This cream is effective against athlete's foot, jock's itch, ringworm, and candida. The topical medication is available in various forms, including vaginal cream and cream applied to the skin. You can use candid cream for vaginal infection (a yeast infection).

The active ingredient in clotrimazole cream is clotrimazole, which is an imidazole antifungal. The study shows clotrimazole lotion works by preventing the growth of fungi. It's not exactly how clotrimazole works, but it is thought to work by interfering with the fungal cell membrane. 

Clotrimazole Cream: Product Label

The Clotrimazole cream product label is as follows:

• Product- Clotrimazole cream

• Application- Topical, external use only

• Composition- Sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol, purified water, and benzyl alcohol

• Therapeutic Class- Imidazoles

• Therapeutic Action- It damages the cell membrane of the fungi

• Uses- Treat fungal or yeast infections on the skin

• Side effects- athlete's foot, jock's itch, ringworm, candida(vaginal yeast infection) and a few others.

• Intoxication- None

Common Symptoms of Fungal or Yeast Infections

The following are the common, potential symptoms of fungal or yeast infections:

• Localized itching, redness, scaling, and inflammation.

• Itching or irritation of the vaginal area in females.

• Recurrent rash on chest and abdomen in children.

• Boils that don't heal properly.

• Itching, redness, or sores on the skin.

Most Common Causes of Fungal Infection

The common causes of fungal infections are skin cuts or injury, antibiotics (increasing overgrowth of fungi), breathing of fungus, etc. Infections caused by fungi or yeast usually appear on the skin, feet, and hands. Fungi generally thrive in warm, moist areas with no breathing room, such as between toes or fingers, groin, or vagina. These areas are susceptible to infection because they do not dry out easily and are prone to moisture for a longer period. 

Clotrimazole Cream Uses

Clotrimazole antifungal cream is applied to the affected area of the skin 3-4 times per day for 2-4 weeks. You should apply the cream to the skin with a cotton swab or clean fingers. It should be applied to the skin in a thin layer and should not be rubbed into the skin. Follow these instructions carefully for its application on the skin for different uses:

• For jock itch before application, clean and dry the groin area completely to remove any moisture. Do not wear underwear made from synthetic fibers like nylon or rayon. Avoid skin-tight wear and opt for cotton underwear and loose boxers.

• For athlete's foot infection clean and dry the infected area and then apply the thin layer of the cream to that particular area. Avoid wearing tight and closed footwear to treat an athlete's foot infection. Let your skin breathe, and do not let it sweat. Do not wear synthetic or woolen-made socks. Wear flip-flops or open sandals. 

• To treat candida properly wash the area with water. Avoid using soap in the vaginal area. Apply the ointment to dry skin. Avoid wearing tight underwear made with synthetic fibers. Opt for loose cotton wear. In case of unwanted moisture, consult your doctor and ask for a drying or soothing antifungal powder. 

• To treat hand or nail infections apply the cream on clean and dry skin without any moisture. Do wear hand gloves to prevent transfer. Sweating may occur on the skin. 

Note: Please do not use it unless prescribed or suggested by a doctor. Only use the cream on infected areas with proper guidelines. Avoid getting the product into your eyes, nose, ears, and mouth.

Clotrimazole Skin Cream Treat Fungal Infections On the Scalp

The clotrimazole cream, also called miconazole topical solution 1 %, is a prescription medication used to treat fungal infections of the skin and scalp. It works by slowing down or stopping the growth of fungus. Apply the cream once daily for three weeks to eliminate ringworm (fungus) on the scalp. If it doesn't clear up after three months, talk to your doctor about how to treat it. Sometimes, you may be required to use this medication for several weeks, even months. 

Side Effects of Clotrimazole Cream

Common clotrimazole cream side effects include: 

• Itching

• Redness

• Burning

• Irritation

• Stinging

Side effects are usually mild but may include oral and vaginal yeast infections. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, feeling faint, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, throat, or neck, blistering of the skin, oozing, or open sores.

Storage and Disposal of Clotrimazole Topical Cream

Store the Clotrimazole cream in a cool, dark place, away from heat and moisture. It would be ideal if you keep it at room temperature. Please keep children and pets away from it as it may be dangerous to them. Moreover,  you can not keep it in the refrigerator. Dispose of it when it expires. 

Tips to Prevent Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are caused by tiny organisms that live and survive in warm and moist environments. There are several ways to prevent and treat fungal infections which may include: 

• It is important to follow good hygiene practices, like washing your hands often, especially before you eat. Keep your feet and toes clean every time you go outside. 

• If you are going to be in a wet or moist environment, like a pool or a lake, you can wear open sandal wear and clothes with natural cotton that will protect your feet and skin. 

• You can always keep your skin dry after you swim or bathe. Pat dry your infected skin completely with a towel to remove any moisture. 

• Use antifungal soaps after heavy exercise sessions or excessive sweating. Rinse with water immediately after accidental exposure.

Precautionary Measures of Clotrimazole Cream

Here are some of the precautions you should consider while using clotrimazole cream: 

• It would help by informing your doctor beforehand about any prevailing allergies. 

• Women should let their doctor know in case of pregnancy or lactation. 

• Clotrimazole cream may react with certain medications and topical products containing ingredients such as amphotericin. b and nystatin.

• Do not use any oil-based creams or ointments like vaseline with clotrimazole as vaseline can cause the fungal and bacteria spores to multiply rapidly.

• While treating your fungal or yeast infection, keep the area clean and dry before applying. Do not wear tight or synthetic clothing and allow the skin to breathe. 

• Do not apply this cream on open cuts and wounds.

• In case of using this cream on a lactating nipple, wash the product completely off before breastfeeding your baby. It is harmful to the baby. 

Summing Up

Well, you can use Clotrimazole cream as a topical antifungal cream to treat every fungal or yeast infection on the skin. This cream can effectively fight off an athlete's foot, jock's itch, ringworm, and candida. You can apply it to the affected area of the skin about 3-4 times per day for approximately 2-4 weeks. However, if you experience any of its side effects such as itchiness, redness, irritation, or burning, do consult the doctors immediately. Make sure not to apply it on your face.