12 Products
About Canesten
Canesten is one of the UK's best-known antifungal brands, trusted for treating common fungal and yeast infections at home. The range uses established active ingredients such as clotrimazole and bifonazole to tackle problems affecting the skin and intimate areas. From everyday skin complaints to vaginal thrush, Canesten offers targeted formats for different needs.
Within our Medicines & Treatments selection you'll find versatile antifungal creams such as the Canesten 1% Cream 50g and the Bifonazole Once Daily Cream 20g, used for fungal skin infections like athlete's foot and ringworm. The Canesten AF Dual Action 1% Cream, available in 15g and 30g tubes, is formulated specifically for athlete's foot. These topical treatments are designed to be applied directly to the affected area.
For intimate health, the Sexual Health & Family Planning range includes the Canesten 2% Thrush Cream 20g and the Canesten Combi Cream/Pessary 10g, which pairs an internal pessary with an external cream to treat vaginal thrush and soothe its symptoms. Choosing the right format depends on your symptoms, so our pharmacy team is happy to help. Browse the Canesten range below, dispatched from our UK pharmacy. Always read the label and patient information leaflet, and speak to a pharmacist or your GP if symptoms persist.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a Canesten pessary is working?
You should gradually notice thrush symptoms such as itching, soreness and discharge starting to ease over a few days. Relief isn't always immediate, so follow the timing given on the label and patient information leaflet rather than expecting an overnight change. If your symptoms haven't improved within the timeframe stated, or they get worse, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
What is Canesten cream used for?
Canesten creams are antifungal treatments used for a range of fungal skin infections, while certain products are formulated for vaginal thrush. Depending on the specific cream, they can help with conditions like athlete's foot, ringworm and fungal skin irritation. Always read the label to check a particular product is right for your condition, and ask a pharmacist if you're unsure.
How long does Canesten cream take to work?
Many people start to feel some relief within a few days, though the full course may take longer and should be completed as directed. Timings vary by product and condition, so follow the guidance on the label and patient information leaflet rather than stopping early. If there is no improvement in the time stated, or symptoms worsen, see your pharmacist or GP.
How do you apply Canesten cream for men?
Antifungal creams such as Canesten can be used by men for conditions like athlete's foot or an intimate fungal infection, typically by applying a thin layer to clean, dry skin. Always follow the application instructions on the label and patient information leaflet for the specific product you have. If you're unsure which product to use, or symptoms don't settle, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.
What is the difference between the Canesten creams in this range?
This range includes several creams with different purposes and active ingredients. The Canesten 1% Cream 50g and Bifonazole Once Daily Cream are general antifungal skin treatments, the AF Dual Action 1% Cream targets athlete's foot, and the 2% Thrush Cream is for external thrush symptoms. Check the label to match the product to your needs, or ask our pharmacy team for advice.
Which Canesten product is best for vaginal thrush?
For vaginal thrush, the Canesten Combi Cream/Pessary combines an internal pessary to treat the infection with an external cream to soothe itching and soreness. The 2% Thrush Cream can be used to relieve external symptoms only. Follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet, and speak to a pharmacist if it is your first episode or if symptoms keep returning.
What is Canesten AF Dual Action cream for?
Canesten AF Dual Action 1% Cream is designed to treat athlete's foot, a common fungal infection of the feet, and comes in 15g and 30g tubes. Apply it as directed on the label and patient information leaflet, keeping the affected skin clean and dry. If the infection spreads or doesn't clear up, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
What is Canesten Bifonazole Once Daily Cream?
This cream contains the antifungal bifonazole and, as the name suggests, is formulated for once-daily use, which some people find more convenient than creams needing several applications. It is used for fungal skin infections, so check the label to confirm it suits your condition. Always follow the exact dosing frequency and course length given on the label and patient information leaflet.
Can I buy Canesten without a prescription?
Many Canesten products are available to buy over the counter as pharmacy medicines, without a prescription. Because they are medicines, our pharmacy team may ask a few questions to make sure the product is suitable for you. Always read the label, and speak to a pharmacist if you're unsure or if symptoms persist.
Can I use Canesten if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Some antifungal treatments are not recommended during pregnancy, or should only be used in a certain way, so you shouldn't assume a product is suitable. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your pharmacist, midwife or GP before using any Canesten product. They can advise on the safest option for treating thrush or a fungal infection.
When should I see a doctor instead of using Canesten?
See your GP if your symptoms don't improve within the time stated on the leaflet, keep coming back, or are severe. You should also seek advice if you have thrush for the first time, are under 16 or over 60, or are unsure of the cause. A pharmacist can help you decide whether self-treatment is appropriate before you buy.