Clotrimazole
About Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole belongs to the class of anti-fungal medications known as imidazoles, primarily used to treat fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, fungal nappy rash, fungal sweat rash and thrush. A fungal infection, also known as mycosis, is a skin infection caused by fungus.
Clotrimazole comprises clotrimazole, which works by destroying the fungus that causes the infection. Clotrimazole damages the fungal cell membrane and causes the components to leak out, thus killing the fungus and curing the infection.
In some cases, Clotrimazole may cause itching, redness, dryness, burning and stinging sensation. The majority of these side effects of Clotrimazole eventually fade away over time without the need for medical intervention. Consult your doctor if any side effects worsen or persist.
Consult your doctor if you are a pregnant or nursing mother. Do not use any other topical medications simultaneously along with Clotrimazole without a doctor's recommendation. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and all the medicines you are taking to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Clotrimazole
Medicinal Benefits
Clotrimazole contains clotrimazole, an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, fungal nappy rash, and fungal sweat rash. Furthermore, it helps to alleviate the symptoms of thrush. Clotrimazole damages the fungal cell membrane and causes the components to leak out, thus killing the fungus and curing the infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Clotrimazole
- Red, irritated skin
- Burning or stinging sensation
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Fungal skin infection: A fungal infection of the skin occurs when the fungus invades the skin tissue. Fungal infections can be contagious and spread from one person to another. Symptoms include skin irritation, scaly skin, redness, itching, scaly or flaky patches, and swelling. The most common type of fungal infections are ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch, and yeast infections.
Athlete's foot: It is a fungal illness that primarily affects the area between the toes. Athletes' foot is typically seen in those whose feet have become extremely sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes. A scaly rash with itching, stinging, and burning sensations are common symptoms.
Ringworm: Ringworm is a common fungus-caused infection of the skin and nails. Ringworm is also called tinea or dermatophytosis. The infection is known as 'ringworm' because it causes an itchy, red, circular rash.
Fungal nappy rash: A fungal nappy rash is a form of skin rash that affects the nappy area and occurs when the skin is in continuous contact with urine or stool within a tight-fitting nappy. Nappy rash can get infected with Candida yeast if left untreated for longer than a few days. The candidal nappy rash should be treated with antifungal and anti-inflammatory medications.
Thrush: Thrush is a common yeast infection affecting men and women. Thrush Symptoms in women include white vaginal discharge (often smelling like cottage cheese), irritation and itching around the vagina, soreness and stinging sensation during sex or urination. Thrush symptoms in men include irritation, burning sensation, redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin, a white discharge (similar to cottage cheese), an unpleasant odour, and difficulties pulling back the foreskin.
FAQs
Clotrimazole damages the fungal cell membrane and causes the components to leak out, thus killing the fungus and curing the infection.
Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Therefore, completing the full course of treatment would be suggested even if you feel better.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Unless directed by a doctor, do not use Clotrimazole for more than four weeks. If used for prolonged durations, the fungus may become resistant to Clotrimazole.