Clotrimazol para infecciones fúngicas de la piel

About clotrimazole for skin infections

Although many types of fungi live harmlessly on our skin, some can cause infections. The most common fungi to cause skin infections are the tinea group of fungi. Pie de atleta is a common fungal infection of the toes and feet caused by a fungus from this group. Infections caused by a fungus or a yeast (a type of fungus) can affect other parts of the body too - some examples are fungal nappy rash, infecciones fúngicas en la ingle, and fungal sweat rashes. Clotrimazole eases the symptoms of skin infections such as these, by killing the fungi causing the infection.

Although clotrimazole is available on prescription, you can also buy some preparations without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets. It is available as a cream, as a spray and as a topical solution (a liquid which is applied directly on to the skin). The cream is most frequently used but, where large areas of skin are infected or where the area of the body which is being treated is quite hairy, a spray or topical solution may be more suitable.

Sometimes clotrimazole is combined in a cream with a corticosteroid; either hidrocortisona (as in the brand Canesten® HC) or betametasona (in the brand Lotriderm®). These creams are prescribed when the infection has caused the skin to become inflamed and sore. Canesten® HC can also be bought from pharmacies on the advice of a pharmacist.

Clotrimazole is a medicine which is also used to treat fungal infections on areas of the body other than the skin. For example, it is used to treat vaginal thrush and some ear infections. There is more information about the preparations used to treat these conditions in the separate medicine leaflets called Clotrimazol para la candidiasis vaginal y Clotrimazol para infecciones de oído.

Before using clotrimazole for skin infections

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using clotrimazole make sure that you speak with a doctor or pharmacist:

• Si estás embarazada o amamantando. Aunque no se sabe que el clotrimazol sea perjudicial para los bebés, solo debes usar medicamentos bajo la recomendación de un médico mientras esperas o amamantas a un bebé.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos o usando otras cremas. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que se pueda comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez has tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento o crema.

How to use clotrimazole for skin infections

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about clotrimazole and how to apply it.

• Wash and dry the infected area of skin before you apply clotrimazole. You will need to use it regularly for a few weeks. Once all signs of your infection have gone, continue to use it for a further one or two weeks, as this will help to prevent the infection from coming back.

• If you are using cream, apply a thin layer and then rub it in gently. Use the cream two or three times a day.

• If you are using spray, use it two or three times a day and be careful to make sure that all of the infected area has been covered by the spray.

• If you are using solution, apply it two or three times a day and gently rub it in. A few drops will treat an area about the size of a hand.

Obteniendo el máximo de tu tratamiento

• Remember to wash your hands carefully after using clotrimazole, as this will help to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body. Also, use a separate towel to other people until your infection clears up.

• Las infecciones por hongos a menudo ocurren en áreas cálidas y húmedas del cuerpo. Después de lavarte o ducharte, asegúrate de que todas las áreas de tu piel estén bien secas, especialmente en lugares como los pliegues de la piel y entre los dedos de los pies.

• As a guide, infections such as athlete's foot usually clear up within a week or so of treatment, although infections affecting some other areas of the body can take slightly longer. If there are no signs of improvement after two weeks of using clotrimazole, you should make an appointment to see your doctor for advice.

Can clotrimazole cause problems?

Es poco probable que el clotrimazol cause efectos secundarios graves. Ocasionalmente puede causar algo de irritación al principio de su uso, y algunas personas experimentan reacciones alérgicas leves (como enrojecimiento y picazón). Si experimenta estos u otros síntomas, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico para obtener más consejos.

How to store clotrimazole

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos