What is it used for?

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis).

If you are not sure if you have athlete's foot you should get advice from your doctor or pharmacist before using this cream.

How does it work?

Canesten bifonazole once daily cream contains the active ingredient bifonazole, which is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat athlete's foot, which is a skin condition caused by infection with fungi.

Bifonazole kills the fungi that are causing the infection by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol causes holes to appear in the fungal cell membrane.

The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As bifonazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection.

How do I use it?

Wash and dry the feet thoroughly before applying the cream.

The cream should be applied thinly to the affected areas of the feet once a day, preferably at night before going to bed. Rub the cream in gently.

Wash your hands after rubbing in the cream to avoid spreading the infection.

You should use the cream every day for two to three weeks to make sure the infection is fully treated.

If your symptoms don't start to improve within seven days of starting to use the medicine, or get worse, you should get advice from your pharmacist.

Caution

This preparation is for external use on the skin only. It must not be taken by mouth.

Take care to avoid getting the cream in your eyes or mouth.

You should not use this cream to treat other fungal infections, such as vaginal thrush or nappy rash.