Canesten HC
Book a quick face-to-face video consultation with a certified prescribing pharmacist, nurse, or doctor. If approved, your Canesten HC will be prescribed* and delivered straight to your door with free next-day delivery†. No hidden fees. No delays. Just expert care.
* Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.
† Applies to UK only.
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Canesten HC Key Facts
About Canesten hydrocortisone cream (HC cream)
Canesten HC cream contains a combination of clotrimazole (antifungal agent) and hydrocortisone (mild steroid) as the active ingredients. It is used as an antifungal treatment for fungal skin infections such as vaginal thrush, jock itch, ringworm, athletes foot, nappy rash, and fungal sweat rash in men, women and children.
Canesten HC is available on prescription and over the counter. NowPatient offers Canesten HC for the treatment of Jock itch only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Canesten HC cream
- For the treatment of fungal skin infections
- Has an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal action
- Canesten HC can take a few days to improve symptoms such as itching or soreness. Redness and scaling may take longer
- Canesten HC has some common side effects which include burning and discomfort
- It can be dangerous if you use Canesten HC with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Canesten HC suitable for?
Canesten HC is suitable for adults and children.
Who is Canesten HC not suitable for?
Canesten HC antifungal cream may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before using, if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to the active substances such as clotrimazole or hydrocortisone acetate, or any of the inactive ingredients such as benzyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, triceteareth-4-phosphate, medium chain triglycerides, purified water, or hydrochloric acid
- Have a fungal infection without symptoms of inflammation
- Have broken skin
- Have acne, cold sores, shingles, chicken pox, or herpes
- Have syphilis or tuberculosis
- Have had reactions to vaccinations
How and where to get Canesten HC?
You can buy Canesten HC safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with one of our prescribers for the treatment of Jock itch, you can discuss if Canesten HC is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Canesten HC for Jock itch
Canesten HC is available as an external cream. Canesten is available as a pessary, vaginal cream or duo oral capsule.
Information about how to use Canesten HC for Jock itch
Apply Canesten HC cream thinly to the affected areas of skin twice a day. You should not use Canesten HC cream for more than 7 days continuously for candida yeast infections. Canesten HC cream is for external use only. Read the patient information leaflet provided or speak to a healthcare professional for further information.
What happens if you use too much Canesten HC?
If you use more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have used too much Canesten HC and you experience any of the following side effects:
What are the side effects of Canesten HC?
Common side effects include:
- Excessive hair growth
- Stretch marks
- Thinning of the skin
- Secondary infections
- Itching
- Blisters
- Burning
- Swelling
- Discomfort
- Irritation or peeling
- Blurred vision
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about using Canesten HC at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Canesten HC. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Can Canesten HC used for Jock itch be used long term?
You should not use Canesten HC cream for more than 7 days continuously for candida yeast infections. If your symptoms do not improve speak to a doctor for medical advice.
Is there a herbal Canesten HC?
No. Herbal Canesten HC does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Canesten HC?
Women can use Canesten HC, however you should speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when using Canesten HC?
You can eat and drink normally when using Canesten HC.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with Jock itch?
You may modify your lifestyle in a number of ways, this may include
- Keeping the groin area dry after showering or exercising
- Wearing clean clothes
- Avoid using deodorants in and around your intimate area
- Treating suspected fungal infections such as athlete’s foot
- Not sharing personal items
Alternatives to Canesten HC
Alternatives for the treatment of Jock itch include fluconazole and miconazole.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Canesten HC
What is Canesten HC?
Canesten HC is a topical cream containing two active ingredients: clotrimazole 1% (an antifungal) and hydrocortisone 1% (a mild corticosteroid). It is used to treat fungal skin infections that are accompanied by significant inflammation, redness, and itching. Canesten HC is available over the counter from pharmacies (for athlete’s foot) and on prescription for other indications. It is identical in formulation to Daktacort HC. The combined antifungal and anti-inflammatory action provides faster symptom relief than an antifungal alone.
How does Canesten HC work?
Canesten HC works through dual action. Clotrimazole kills the fungal infection by disrupting the fungal cell membrane through inhibition of ergosterol synthesis. Hydrocortisone reduces the associated inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching by suppressing the local immune response. This combination is particularly useful when a fungal infection is very inflamed and uncomfortable, as the steroid provides rapid symptomatic relief while the antifungal treats the underlying cause.
What is Canesten HC used for?
Canesten HC is used for inflamed fungal skin infections including athlete’s foot with significant inflammation and itching, intertrigo (fungal rash in skin folds such as under the breasts, groin, or armpits), candidal nappy rash (on medical advice), and other inflammatory fungal skin infections. It is particularly useful when the fungal infection is causing considerable discomfort and a plain antifungal is not providing sufficient symptom relief.
How do I apply Canesten HC?
Apply a thin layer of Canesten HC cream to the affected area twice daily (morning and evening), gently rubbing it in. The skin should be clean and dry before application. The hydrocortisone component should ideally not be used for more than 7 days on the face or 1–2 weeks on the body. Continue the antifungal treatment for at least 2 weeks after symptoms clear. If the inflammation settles quickly, you may switch to a plain antifungal (Canesten 1%) to complete the treatment course.
How long should I use Canesten HC for?
Use Canesten HC for a maximum of 7 days for OTC use. If prescribed by a doctor, treatment may be extended up to 2 weeks. The hydrocortisone component should not be used for prolonged periods. Once the inflammation has settled (usually within the first week), switch to plain clotrimazole cream to complete the antifungal treatment course (usually 2–4 weeks in total for fungal skin infections).
What are the side effects of Canesten HC?
Canesten HC is generally well-tolerated. Uncommon side effects include mild burning, stinging, or irritation at the application site. Allergic contact dermatitis is rare. With prolonged use, the hydrocortisone component can cause mild skin thinning, particularly on the face or in skin folds. Following the recommended treatment duration minimises this risk. If the rash worsens or does not improve, consult a pharmacist or doctor.
Can I use Canesten HC during pregnancy?
Both clotrimazole and hydrocortisone are generally considered low risk when used topically in pregnancy in small amounts for short durations. However, always consult your doctor or midwife before using Canesten HC during pregnancy, particularly on large areas or for prolonged periods.
Can I buy Canesten HC without a prescription?
Yes, Canesten HC is available over the counter from pharmacies for the treatment of inflamed athlete’s foot. The pharmacist will check that it is suitable for your condition. For other indications or prolonged use, a prescription from your GP or online service like NowPatient may be needed.
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