img hub ukmla usmle mccqe1 study & exams toolkits uk / nice us · ca · au medicines journal

askiatroX

about us privacyterms how it works rounds q&a library knowledge centre medicines UK / NICE guidance US, Canada & Australia guidance calculators insights

clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate | iatroX

Medicinesclotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate

Medicine guide

clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate

antifungal treatment with inflammation relief

This skin cream combines an antifungal with a mild corticosteroid. It treats certain fungal skin infections when redness, itching or swelling is present.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Reviewed byiatroX editorial team

Last reviewed19 Aug 2026

Also known asCanesten

Overview Clinical detail

On this page

At a glance Uses

How clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate works

Get urgent help for a severe allergic reaction

Call 999 for breathing difficulty, collapse, or widespread hives with breathing problems, faintness or marked dizziness. Stop using the cream while help is arranged.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC NHS

clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate at a glance

Medicine class

Topical imidazole antifungal combined with a mild corticosteroid.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Licensed uses

Inflamed athlete’s foot and candidal infection in skin folds.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Where it is used

For external use on affected skin only.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Important restriction

Do not use on broken skin, the face, eyes, mouth or mucous membranes.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

What is clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate used for?

This product is licensed for fungal skin infections accompanied by inflammation.

Athlete’s foot with itching, redness or swelling.

Candidal intertrigo: an inflamed Candida infection affecting skin folds.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Mechanism, explained

How does clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate work?

Clotrimazole disrupts production of ergosterol, an essential part of fungal cell membranes. Hydrocortisone acetate reduces itching, redness and swelling but does not eradicate the fungus.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

How to take clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate

Use only on the skin and follow the pack or prescriber’s directions.

Wash and dry the affected skin thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Spread a thin, even layer over the affected area and rub it in gently.

Wash your hands after application unless they are being treated.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or other occlusive dressing.

Keep the cream away from the eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes. Rinse accidental contact with water and seek advice if symptoms persist.

Do not swallow the cream.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC NHS

If you miss a dose of clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate

Do not apply extra cream to compensate for a missed application.

NHS

clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate side effects

Common or expected effects

Red, itchy or irritated skin.
Pain, burning or stinging at the application site.

Get urgent medical advice

Stop and seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, collapse or a severe allergic reaction.
Seek prompt medical assessment for blurred vision or another visual disturbance.
Ask for medical advice if blistering, marked swelling, worsening rash or signs of secondary infection develop.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC NHS NHS

clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate in pregnancy

Use this combined product only under the supervision of a doctor or midwife. Systemic exposure from limited topical use is expected to be low.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC NHS NHS UK Teratology Information Service

clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate while breastfeeding

Use only after advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Prevent the baby from touching treated skin. If applied to the breast on professional advice, wash it off before feeding.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate interactions

No interaction studies have been performed, and no specific medicine interaction is identified for this topical combination. Check before applying other medicines or skin products to the same area.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Common questions about clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate

Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.

What is clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate used for?

It treats inflamed athlete’s foot and candidal infection in skin folds.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Is it the same as clotrimazole cream?

No. The combination also contains hydrocortisone acetate to reduce inflammation.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Should it be used when a fungal rash is not inflamed?

Usually not. A corticosteroid-free antifungal may be more appropriate without significant redness, itching or swelling.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Can it treat vaginal thrush?

Explore related medicine guides

hydrocortisone acetate + miconazole nitrateantifungal treatment for inflamed skin bifonazoletopical imidazole antifungal for athlete’s foot betamethasone dipropionate + clotrimazoleinflamed fungal skin treatment undecylenic acid + zinc undecylenatetopical antifungal treatment for athlete’s foot miconazole nitratetopical treatment for athlete’s foot amorolfine hydrochloridetopical treatment for fungal nails

Sources

These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPCSummary of Product Characteristics · emc

NHSNHS medicine guidance · NHS

UK Teratology Information ServiceReputable Web · UK Teratology Information Service

UK GovernmentReputable Web · UK Government

Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.

Explore this medicine

Overview Clinical detail At a glance Uses How clotrimazole + hydrocortisone acetate works How to take it Side effects Pregnancy Breastfeeding

NHS

This cream is for external skin use and should not be placed in the vagina.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Can it be used on the face or broken skin?

No. Do not use it on the face, eyes, around the mouth or on broken skin.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Can it treat ringworm?

Use it for ringworm only when prescribed by a doctor.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Can children use it?

Children younger than 10 years should use it only when prescribed by a doctor.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

What if the rash gets worse?

Stop and ask a pharmacist or doctor to review it. Worsening may indicate irritation, allergy, secondary infection or a different diagnosis.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%, 1% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC UK Government

Interactions

Common questions

Sources

Use in context. Check current authorised UK product information, local policy and patient-specific factors before prescribing or changing treatment.