Canesten
Dermatological Powder
Clotrimazole 1% w/w
Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.
This medicine is available without prescription. However, you still need to use Canesten Dermatological Powder carefully to get the best results from it.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.
- You must contact a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.
- If you have any unusual effects after using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
In This Leaflet
- 1. What is Canesten Dermatological Powder and what is it used for?
- 2. Before you use Canesten Dermatological Powder
- 3. How to use Canesten Dermatological Powder
- 4. Possible side effects
- 5. How to store Canesten Dermatological Powder
- 6. Further information
What Is Canesten Dermatological Powder And What Is It Used For?
Canesten Dermatological Powder is used along with Canesten Cream or Canesten Dermatological Spray to treat fungal skin infections, particularly athlete’s foot. It is also used alone to help prevent re-infection.
If you are unsure whether you have one of these fungal skin infections, seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
The active substance in Canesten Dermatological Powder is clotrimazole. Clotrimazole belongs to a group of medicines called imidazoles and is an antifungal agent which fights the cause of fungal skin infections.
Before You Use Canesten Dermatological Powder
Do not use Canesten Dermatological Powder:
- If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to clotrimazole or the other ingredient of Canesten Dermatological Powder, rice starch.
Using other medicines:
The powder should be used along with Canesten Cream or Canesten Dermatological Spray to treat fungal skin infections or alone to help prevent re-infection.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying for a baby, tell your doctor or midwife before using Canesten Dermatological Powder. If you have informed your doctor or midwife already, follow his/her instructions carefully.
How To Use Canesten Dermatological Powder
If Canesten Dermatological Powder has been prescribed for you by your doctor, follow any instructions he/she may have given you. If you purchased this product without a prescription, follow these directions closely:
- If the feet are infected, they should be washed and dried thoroughly, especially between the toes, before applying the powder.
- Canesten Dermatological Powder should be sprinkled onto the affected areas two or three times daily, after using Canesten Cream or Canesten Dermatological Spray.
- The powder may also be dusted inside articles of clothing and footwear which are in contact with the affected areas. If the socks are being dusted, it should be done by turning them inside out and applying the powder directly to the area that will be in contact with the affected part of the foot.
The symptoms of skin infection, such as itching or soreness, should improve within a few days of treatment although signs such as redness and scaling may take longer to disappear. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
Canesten Dermatological Powder is for external use only:
Do not put the powder in your mouth or swallow it.
If the powder is swallowed accidentally, tell your doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest hospital.
If you accidentally get powder in your eyes or mouth, wash immediately with water and contact your doctor.
If you forget to use Canesten Dermatological Powder:
Apply the powder as soon as possible and then continue the rest of your treatment as usual.
You can help the treatment to work if you follow these simple self-help tips:
- Although the infected area will itch, try not to scratch. Scratching will damage the surface of the skin and cause the infection to spread further.
- Keep the affected skin areas clean.
- Pay particular attention to drying the skin, but avoid excessive rubbing.
- Do not share towels, bath mats, etc. with other people as you could spread the infection to them.
- Always wash your hands after treating the infection to prevent it from spreading.
If you have athlete’s foot:
- Remember to dry the skin between the toes thoroughly.
- Wash your socks, stockings and tights thoroughly in hot water to remove any shed skin or fungal spores.
- Change your footwear daily if possible.
Possible Side Effects
As with all medicines, some people may be allergic to the powder. If you are allergic, a reaction will occur soon after you start using it. If you experience an allergic reaction, stop using Canesten Dermatological Powder and tell your doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest hospital. Signs of an allergic reaction may include:
- Rash.
- Swallowing or breathing problems.
- Swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.
- Weakness, feeling dizzy or faint.
- Nausea.
Rarely, immediately after you apply the powder you might experience the following symptoms:
- Mild burning.
- Irritation.
If this is intolerable, stop treatment and see your doctor as soon as possible.
Very rarely, Canesten Dermatological Powder may cause side effects which can be very similar to the symptoms of the infection. If any of these symptoms gets worse, stop treatment and see your doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms may include:
- Burning, pain or itching.
- Redness.
- Rash.
- Swelling.
If you experience any of the above effects or react badly to the powder in any other way not listed in this leaflet, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
How To Store Canesten Dermatological Powder
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
This product should be stored in the original carton.
Do not store above 25°C.
Do not use Canesten Dermatological Powder after the expiry date which is stated at one end of the carton and on the label of the pack. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Further Information
What Canesten Dermatological Powder contains:
- The active substance is clotrimazole at a strength of 1% w/w.
- The other ingredient is rice starch.
What Canesten Dermatological Powder looks like and contents of the pack:
Canesten Dermatological Powder is available in packs containing 30g of white powder.
Marketing Authorisation Holder:
Berkshire
Manufacturer:
Remember: If you have any doubts about using Canesten Dermatological Powder correctly, seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Further information about fungal infections:
Fungal infections are very common and affect many people. Some of the most common fungal skin infections include athlete’s foot, nappy rash, sweat rash and ringworm.
There are two main types of fungal infection:
- The tinea group, also known as dermatophytes.
- The candida group, also known as yeasts.
The tinea group includes athlete’s foot and ringworm, both of which are easily spread by contact. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot usually lives harmlessly on our skin and in our environment. The natural balance that normally keeps it under control can be upset by factors such as damp moist conditions. This could happen, for example, through regularly wearing training shoes that keep the feet hot and sweaty. Since this fungus is contagious, it can also often be picked up in changing rooms. Ringworm is usually passed on from animals to children. Ringworm is not actually a worm, its name comes from the circular worm-like shape that it forms on the skin. The main symptom for both is an itchy, scaly and irritating rash.
The candida group can be responsible for conditions such as nappy rash and sweat rash. Sweat rash can appear anywhere on the body, but is more likely to occur where folds of skin rub against each other, such as: under the breasts, under arms, around the groin and on the back. Candida is a yeast-like fungus that usually lives harmlessly on our skin. However, the natural balance that normally keeps it under control can be upset by factors such as sweating, tight or synthetic clothing and cosmetic preparations such as bath additives. When levels of the yeast increase, the skin can develop the following symptoms: persistent burning and itching, soreness and a variety of patches or blemishes as well as a softened and soggy appearance.
For UK residents only: if you have any questions or would like more information, call our Canesten Advice Line on 0845 758 5030. Calls charged at local rate.
This leaflet was last approved in April 2008.
Canesten is a registered trademark of Bayer AG, Germany.
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