Canesten Cream is a widely used topical medicated preparation, specifically designed to treat a variety of fungal infections affecting the superficial layers of the skin. Its active ingredient is clotrimazole, a compound belonging to the azole antifungal class. Clotrimazole is a powerful, broad-spectrum agent that effectively inhibits the growth of many different types of fungi that cause common skin diseases. Clotrimazole's effectiveness is achieved by interfering with the production of ergosterol, a key component of the fungal cell membrane. By disrupting this vital process, the fungal cell membrane becomes unstable and unable to perform its normal functions, ultimately leading to the cessation of fungal growth and death, thus eliminating the fungal skin infection. Canesten Cream is a reliable and effective treatment option for relieving the symptoms associated with these infections and restoring skin health.
The active ingredient in Canesten Cream
Canesten Cream primarily contains the following pharmaceutical ingredient, which gives it its antifungal properties:
Clotrimazole: A synthetic chemical compound belonging to the azole group, a broad class of antifungals widely used to treat various fungal infections. Clotrimazole is effective against a variety of skin fungi, including dermatophytes that cause ringworm, yeasts such as Candida, and fungi that cause pityriasis versicolor (Malassezia furfur). Clotrimazole works at the cellular level of fungi by inhibiting the cytochrome P450 enzyme, an enzyme necessary for the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol. Ergosterol is a vital component for maintaining the integrity and function of the fungal cell membrane. When ergosterol production is disrupted, the fungal cell membrane becomes abnormally permeable, resulting in the loss of essential cellular components, stunted growth, and subsequent death of the fungus.
Available Concentrations
Canesten cream is usually available in one standard strength of the active ingredient clotrimazole, which is the most common and effective strength for treating most skin fungal infections:
Clotrimazole 1%: This means that every 100 grams of cream contains 1 gram of clotrimazole. This strength is suitable for use in adults and children over a certain age (usually specified in the product leaflet or recommended by your doctor or pharmacist).
A thin layer of Canesten cream is usually gently applied to the affected area of skin and surrounding skin. It is recommended to thoroughly clean and dry the affected area before applying the cream. The frequency of application depends on the type and severity of the infection and the doctor's or pharmacist's instructions, but the cream is usually applied two or three times daily (morning and evening, or as directed). It is important to continue using the cream for the full duration recommended by your doctor or pharmacist, even if your symptoms begin to improve during the first few days of treatment. Stopping treatment early may result in incomplete elimination of the fungus and a recurrence of the infection.
Indications for Use of Canesten Cream
Canesten Cream is used effectively to treat a wide range of common fungal skin infections, including:
Tinea pedis (or athlete's foot): A fungal infection of the skin of the feet, particularly between the toes, characterized by itching, scaling, redness, and cracking.
Tinea corporis (or ringworm): A fungal infection of any part of the skin except the scalp, beard, feet, and hands. It appears as red, circular or oval patches with a raised edge.
Tinea cruris (or jock itch): A fungal infection of the groin, genitals, and buttocks, characterized by itching, redness, and a rash.
Cutaneous candidiasis (or skin yeast infection): A fungal infection caused by the Candida yeast, it affects moist areas of skin and skin folds and is characterized by redness, itching, and a rash accompanied by small blisters.
Tinea versicolor: A superficial fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin, often on the chest, back, neck, and arms.