Candid Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Candid Cream contains clotrimazole, an antifungal medicine belonging to the imidazole class. It is used to treat fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and fungal nappy rash. It works by damaging the fungal cell membrane, stopping the fungus from growing and spreading.

What is Candid Cream

Candid Cream is an antifungal medicine used to treat fungal skin infections. Its active ingredient, clotrimazole, belongs to a group of medicines called imidazoles that fight the fungi causing skin infections.

Candid Cream uses

• Ringworm
• Athlete's foot
• Fungal nappy rash
• Fungal sweat rash
• Irritation of the vulva (external thrush) or the end of the penis associated with thrush
• Fungal skin infections

Benefits of Candid Cream

• Fungal Infection Treatment: Helps treat susceptible fungal infections of the skin.
• Ringworm Relief: Can help manage ringworm and related fungal skin infections.
• Athlete's Foot Support: Helps treat fungal infections affecting the feet.
• Jock Itch Treatment: Helps manage fungal infections in the groin area.
• Itch Relief: Treatment of the underlying fungal infection can reduce associated itching and irritation.
• Antifungal Action: Helps inhibit fungal growth and supports recovery of affected skin.

How Candid Cream works

Candid Cream is an antifungal medicine that works by damaging the outer covering (cell membrane) of the fungus. This stops the fungus from growing and prevents the infection from spreading.

Candid Cream dosage

Apply to the skin as directed by your doctor, or if bought without a prescription, apply thinly and evenly to the affected areas two or three times daily and rub in gently. Before use, pierce the tube seal by inverting the cap over the end of the tube and press. If your feet are infected, wash and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, before applying the cream.

Continue using the cream for the full length of time your doctor recommends, since treatment can take a few weeks to fully clear the infection. Do not cover the application area with bandages or other coverings unless told to by your doctor. Close the tube cover right after use to keep it clean, and do not wipe or rinse the tip of the tube.

Use the cream at around the same time each day to help you remember. This medicine is for external use only; do not put it in your mouth or swallow it. Avoid scratching the itchy area, as this can damage the skin and spread the infection further. Do not share your towels, clothes, or bath mats with others to avoid spreading the infection.

If you forget to apply a dose, apply it as soon as you remember and continue as usual; do not apply a double amount to make up for it.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream
• Ointment
• Dusting powder
• Gel
• Lotion
• Powder
• Soap
• Spray
• Mouth paint

Side effects of Candid Cream

Common

• Burning sensation at the application site
• Itching, redness or irritation at the application site
• Skin rash and peeling
• Blisters, discomfort, or swelling of the skin
• Tingling or temporary dryness

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling of lips, face, throat or tongue, difficulty swallowing or breathing, dizziness, feeling faint, or nausea

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Do not use it to treat nail or scalp infections.
• This cream is for use on the skin only. Avoid getting it in your eyes or mouth, and do not swallow it. If you accidentally get it in your eyes or mouth, rinse right away with water and contact your doctor.
• This cream may damage rubber contraceptives such as condoms or diaphragms and make them less effective. If you use it on the vulva or penis, use another form of contraception for at least five days afterward.
• Tell your doctor about any other creams, ointments, lotions, or gels you are using, since this medicine may interact with other topical products.
• If you are pregnant, tell your doctor before using Candid Cream. Applied to the skin, it is not known to harm your developing baby, so it can be used during pregnancy if your doctor recommends it.
• If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor before using Candid Cream. It is not known to affect a breastfed baby, but avoid applying it to areas of the breast that may touch your baby's mouth.
• It is not known how this medicine interacts with alcohol. Ask your doctor before drinking alcohol while using it.
• This medicine does not cause sleepiness.

Storage

• This product should be stored in the original carton.
• Store below 25C.
• Keep all medicines out of reach of children.
• Do not use Candid Cream after the expiry date which is stated at one end of the carton and on the end of the tube of cream. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, breathing or swallowing problems, dizziness, feeling faint, or nausea.
• If the cream is swallowed by accident, tell your doctor right away or go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital.
• If symptoms of your infection do not improve, talk to your doctor.

Alternatives

• Miconazole Cream
• Ketoconazole Cream
• Terbinafine Cream
• Econazole Cream