Canesten Cream 2%

What is Canesten 2% Cream?

This external thrush cream is used to relieve vulval and penile itching, soreness and irritation caused by vaginal (Candidal vaginitis) or penile (Candidal balanitis) thrush. The cream contains clotrimazole 2%, an antifungal that targets yeast on the skin around the genitals. It eases symptoms while an internal treatment clears the cause of the infection.

How to order Canesten 2% Cream online

You can use our UK online pharmacy to request Canesten 2% Cream. As this is a Pharmacy (P) medicine, a pharmacist must confirm it is suitable for you before supply. After checkout, complete the short health questionnaire. If approved before 3pm, we usually dispatch the same day with your chosen delivery option. We are a GPhC-registered pharmacy.

How it works

Clotrimazole is an imidazole antifungal. It disrupts the fungal cell membrane so the contents leak out and the organism cannot survive. This reduces local yeast on the skin and helps settle itching and soreness. External cream treats the skin symptoms only; an internal cream or a pessary is needed to treat vaginal thrush itself.

How to use Canesten 2% Cream

1. Wash and dry the affected area; wash your hands.
2. Apply a thin layer two to three times daily to the external area that itches or is sore (vulva and surrounding skin in women; glans and under the foreskin in men).
3. Gently rub in; wash hands again after use.

Women: continue for up to one week after internal treatment. Men: continue for up to two weeks. Do not use inside the vagina or urethra; do not ingest. If symptoms persist beyond these timeframes, speak to a healthcare professional.

What it treats

This product soothes external thrush irritation around the genitals. It does not cure internal vaginal thrush on its own. For internal treatment you can use a pessary such as Canesten Pessary or a combination option like Canesten Thrush Combi Pessary and External Cream. Some people may prefer a capsule; a well-known option mentioned on packs is the canesten thrush duo oral capsule.

Who it's for

Adults who are suffering from thrush and recognise the symptoms. Typical signs include itching and soreness around the vulva or penis, and in women a thick white discharge without a strong smell. In men, redness under the foreskin, discomfort, and a white discharge can occur.

BV vs Thrush — what's the difference?

It can be difficult to tell the difference between thrush and bacterial vaginosis (BV), but the two conditions are caused by very different things and need different treatments. Thrush is a yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida and it usually leads to itching, soreness, and thick white discharge. BV, on the other hand, happens when the balance of bacteria in the vagina changes, leading to a thin grey or white discharge with a noticeable fishy smell.

Canesten 2% Cream can relieve the external irritation linked to thrush, but it will not help if your symptoms are caused by BV. If your discharge has a strong odour or a watery texture, or if you are unsure which infection you have, speak to a pharmacist or GP before using any treatment. Sometimes thrush and BV can occur together.

If you need more help you can read our guide on Vaginal thrush.

Warnings and precautions

Do not use if you are allergic to clotrimazole or any ingredients. Do not use to treat genital sores, ulcers, or if you have unusual bleeding, fever, lower tummy pain, smelly discharge, or pain on passing urine see a healthcare professional for assessment. Men with penile thrush should seek advice if symptoms include ulcers, discharge from the urethra, or difficulty pulling back the foreskin. Avoid sexual intercourse while symptoms are present to reduce irritation and the risk of passing the infection back and forth. If you use latex condoms or diaphragms, be aware some emollients can weaken latex, check the patient leaflet and read the label.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Clotrimazole can be used in pregnancy for thrush on medical advice. If using a pessary during pregnancy, insert with a finger rather than an applicator. For external symptoms, this cream may be used as directed. If breastfeeding, avoid applying on the breast; wash hands after use and speak to a clinician if you have nipple thrush.

Common interactions

When applied to the skin, clotrimazole has minimal interaction risk. Do not use other topical products on the same area at the same time unless advised, as they can dilute the antifungal. If you are using other clotrimazole-containing canesten products, follow the specific instructions provided with each pack.

When to see a healthcare professional

See a healthcare professional if you are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by thrush, if this is your first episode, or if your symptoms are severe. Medical advice is also recommended if:

• You have thrush more than twice in six months
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding and not sure which product to use
• You are diabetic or have a weakened immune system
• There is an unusual smell, discharge, or pain during sex

These can sometimes indicate another condition that needs different treatment.

Tips to help prevent thrush coming back

1. Wear breathable cotton underwear and change out of damp clothes quickly.
2. Avoid perfumed soaps, bubble baths, and vaginal douching.
3. Dry gently after washing; avoid tight synthetic clothing.
4. If you have diabetes, aim for good blood sugar control.

Common myths about thrush and antifungal creams

• Only women get thrush: Men can also develop genital thrush, particularly after antibiotic use or if uncircumcised.
• It's caused by poor hygiene: Thrush is not due to being unclean; it happens when the natural yeast balance is disturbed.
• Once treated, it never returns: Thrush can recur, especially after antibiotics, stress, or hormonal changes.
• All itching is thrush: Other skin conditions can cause similar irritation; see a healthcare professional if symptoms differ from usual.

Choosing between treatments

For internal vaginal treatment, see Canesten Pessary or the combined option Canesten Thrush Combi Pessary and External Cream. If you need a general anti-fungal cream for fungal skin infections, including athlete's foot or mild nappy rash, use Clotrimazole Cream 1% instead. This helps keep products matched to the correct condition.

Side effects

Most people have no problems. Possible effects include mild burning, stinging, redness, or irritation where applied. Stop and seek advice if you get a rash, swelling, or worsening irritation. If symptoms of thrush do not settle, you may need a review for other causes of soreness or a different treatment plan.

How to store it

Keep at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date on the carton. Return any unused medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

Ingredients

Active: clotrimazole 2% w/w.

Other ingredients: (may include) sorbitan stearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl palmitate, cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol, and purified water. Always check the pack and leaflet for the exact formulation and allergens.

More information

For the full product information including, see the UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).
You can also visit the NHS website on thrush for further advice. Our guide on Vaginal thrush may also be helpful.