Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete’s Foot Cream

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot Cream
Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot Cream - Image 2
Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot Cream - Image 3
Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot Cream - Image 4

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete’s Foot Cream

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete’s Foot Cream provides fast, dual-action relief for athlete’s foot and fungal skin conditions. It combines clotrimazole with hydrocortisone to treat the root fungal cause while soothing itch, swelling and redness.

✔ Dual-action formula: antifungal + anti-inflammatory

✔ Targets root fungal cause while calming irritation

✔ Relieves itch, redness, and swelling quickly

✔ Suitable for mild, inflamed fungal infections

✔ Convenient OTC option with pharmacist guidance

This cream is ideal for mild, inflamed fungal infections, especially between toes. The effective formula soothes irritated skin and is available over-the-counter with pharmacist screening.

What is Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream?

Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream offers a 2-in-1 treatment, combining the fungus-killing power of clotrimazole 1% with soothing hydrocortisone 1%, a mild corticosteroid. The dual-action of the cream helps relieve both symptoms and infection at once. It is particularly useful in cases where inflammation makes regular antifungal creams too irritating to use alone. It is suitable for short-term use, typically up to 7 days.

How does it work?

This cream works in two ways: Clotrimazole (1%):  A broad-spectrum antifungal agent that targets the underlying fungal infection by disrupting the cell membranes of fungi, effectively stopping their growth. Hydrocortisone (1%): A mild corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, redness, itching, and swelling often associated with fungal infections.

Why use a combination treatment?

In many fungal skin conditions, inflammation can make the skin sore and overly sensitive, making it difficult to tolerate antifungal treatments alone. Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream provides immediate relief while the antifungal gets to work. This makes it ideal for short-term use at the initial stages of treatment or when symptoms are particularly uncomfortable.

What conditions can it help with?

  • Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
  • Sweat rash (candidal intertrigo)
  • Fungal eczema
  • Thrush-related skin irritation (e.g., around skin folds or under breasts)
  • Other localized fungal infections with associated inflammation

How long should it be used?

This cream is intended for short-term use, typically for up to 7 days. Once inflammation has subsided, treatment may be continued with a clotrimazole-only antifungal cream if needed (consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance).

Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream is suitable for:

  • Adults and children over the age of 10
  • Fungal infections
  • Mild cases of athlete’s foot, sweat rash, candidal intertrigo
  • Short-term relief of fungal eczema

It is not suitable for:

  • Children under the age of 10
  • Use on broken skin, face or genitals
  • Long-term use (exceeding 7 days)

Important Usage Warnings:

  • For external use only

Do not ingest or apply inside the mouth or genital areas

  • Avoid contact with the eyes

If the cream gets into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water

  • Do not apply to broken or open skin

May cause irritation or delay healing

  • Do not use on the face, underarms, or genitals

These areas are more sensitive to corticosteroids

Not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless advised by a healthcare provider. If treatment is necessary, use only under medical supervision and avoid applying to the breast area before breastfeeding

When to stop using and seek advice:

  • If irritation worsens or new symptoms (e.g. swelling, rash) develop
  • If there is no improvement after 7 days of treatment
  • If you suspect a secondary bacterial infection has developed (e.g. pus, worsening pain)

General Precautions:

  • Wash hands thoroughly after applying the cream (unless hands are being treated)
  • Do not cover the treated area with occlusive dressings or bandages, unless instructed by a healthcare provider
  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

Always read the patient information leaflet before first use

Before Application:

  • Thoroughly clean and dry the affected area
  • Make sure the skin is free from other products before application

Application Instructions:

  • Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area
  • Gently massage into the skin until fully absorbed
  • Use twice daily (morning and evening)
  • Wash hands after application unless treating the hands themselves

Duration of Use:

  • Use for no longer than 7 consecutive days
  • If symptoms improve, further treatment may be continued with a non-steroid antifungal cream (such as Canesten 1% Cream) if needed
  • Do not exceed recommended duration, especially without medical guidance

Tips for best results:

  • Wear clean, breathable clothing and change socks daily if treating athlete’s foot
  • Keep the affected area cool and dry
  • Avoid using perfumed soaps or irritants during treatment
  • Continue treatment as directed even if symptoms begin to improve before the 7 days are complete

Active Ingredient:

  • Clotrimazole (Antifungal)

An antifungal agent effective against dermatophytes, yeasts (e.g. Candida), and certain bacteria. It works by disrupting the fungal cell membrane, killing the fungus and preventing its growth.

  • Hydrocortisone 1%

A mild corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, swelling, itching, and redness by suppressing the local immune response in the skin.

Other Ingredients:

  • Benzoyl alcohol

Acts as a preservative and has mild antibacterial properties

  • Cetostearyl alcohol

A fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier and emollient to soften and soothe the skin

  • Sorbitan stearate 

An emulsifier that helps mix oil and water-based ingredients

  • Polysorbate 60

Enhances the cream’s spreadability and stability

  • Octyldodecanol

An emollient that adds a smooth texture and helps moisturise the skin

  • Purified water

The base of the formulation, ensuring optimal consistency and hydration

  • Other emollient base agents

Provide the cream’s structure and help maintain skin moisture

While most people use Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream without any issues, side effects can occasionally occur.

Common Side Effects:

  • Mild burning or stinging at the site of application, particularly on sensitive or broken skin
  • Itching or redness shortly after application

Uncommon Side Effects:

  • Skin dryness or peeling
  • Worsening of underlying skin conditions if used improperly
  • Discolouration or thinning of the skin with prolonged or excessive use

Rare Side Effects:

  • Allergic skin reactions such as rash, swelling, hives, or blistering
  • Widespread redness or irritation
  • Contact dermatitis due to sensitivity to any ingredient

Potential effects of long-term or inappropriate use:

  • Thinning of the skin (atrophy), especially if used on the face or under occlusion
  • Stretch marks (striae)
  • Suppression of the skin’s natural healing response
  • Secondary skin infections or delayed healing

Stop using the product and seek medical attention if:

  • You develop signs of an allergic reaction (e.g. swelling of the face or throat, breathing difficulties)
  • Skin irritation significantly worsens
  • There is no improvement after 7 days of use

Always follow the instructions on the label and consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure whether this product is right for your condition.

Reviews

user

Adam

Exceptional service. We needed medicine for my parents. The pharmacy was able to arrange stock and deliver the medication on the same day. The team really went the extra mile.

user

Galaxy 24

Really good staff! Very helpful and prompt. I had a really bad experience at my previous pharmacy, really happy I moved over. Recommend to everyone especially because they’re open 7 days a week even on bank holidays!

user

Aleena W

I had an excellent experience at Star Pharmacy! The staff is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. They go above and beyond to answer questions and ensure you get the right medication. The store is clean, well-organized, and fully stocked with everything you need. Highly recommend this pharmacy for their outstanding customer service!

user

Rachel

Excellent pharmacy, quick and kind. Now that I’ve moved house, I still travel all the way here even though I could pick somewhere closer. Just couldn’t go anywhere else!

user

Krystal Clair

Always really helpful & so friendly. Even when not dispensing my medicine, the pharmacist has given me second opinion and checked me over. Have ordered me needles in that I had trouble getting elsewhere also. So refreshing to find a pharmacy who wants to help and is kind!

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FAQs

How to use weight loss injections?

They’re usually taken once a week using a simple pre-filled pen. You inject it yourself, following the step-by-step guidance from our healthcare provider.

Yes, when prescribed and monitored by our professionals at Star Pharmacy. Some people may experience temporary side effects like nausea, headaches, or mild digestive changes.

Each pen contains four doses, so it will last for around one month when used weekly.

Generally for adults with a BMI of 30+, or 27+ if you have weight-related conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Your eligibility will be confirmed in a consultation.

Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and mild headaches. These effects are usually temporary and improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Use the formula: weight (kg) ÷ height (m²), or check with any online BMI calculator for quick results.

Prescription based weight loss injections called a GLP-1 injection help you reduce appetite and help control hunger, making it easier to lose weight and keep it off.

It treats fungal infections like athlete’s foot while reducing redness, itching, and swelling. It helps with both the cause and discomfort.

Apply a thin layer twice daily to clean, dry skin. Massage gently and wash hands after application. Use for up to 7 days only.

Yes, it’s effective for other inflamed fungal skin infections like sweat rash or intertrigo, but not for fungal infections on the scalp or nails.

Many people feel relief from itching and irritation within a few days. Complete healing of the infection may take longer.

If symptoms remain after 7 days, stop using the cream and consult your pharmacist or GP. You may need a different treatment.

No. Do not use on broken, infected, or weeping skin, as this may increase the risk of side effects or worsen irritation.

Only use under medical advice during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Though absorption is minimal, it is best to avoid steroids unless necessary.

It is suitable for children over 10 years old. For younger children, consult a GP or pharmacist before use.

Occasionally, skin irritation, burning, or allergic reactions may occur. Discontinue use and speak to a healthcare provider if any unusual symptoms appear.

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Keep the tube tightly closed and away from direct sunlight and children.