Canesten Bifonazole Cream: Once Daily Treatment for Athlete’s Foot

Fungi called dermatophytes are responsible for athlete’s foot. They usually live harmlessly on our skin. However, when exposed to a warm, moist environment, they can multiply and invade the skin, causing symptoms to appear. Bifonazole is the active ingredient in Canesten Bifonazole Cream. It clears the infection by killing the fungi responsible for the athlete’s foot. It does this by disrupting the production of important components needed for their cell membrane.

Bifonazole belongs to a class of medicines called imidazole antifungals. Clotrimazole is another imidazole antifungal, which can also be used to treat athlete’s foot. However, clotrimazole cream needs to be applied twice or three times a day because it does not stay in your skin for as long as bifonazole does.

You should apply a thin layer of cream to the affected areas once a day, preferably in the evening before going to bed. Before using the product, wash and thoroughly dry your feet. For best results, you should use the cream continuously for two to three weeks. However, speak to your pharmacist if your symptoms do not improve after using the cream for a week.

There are plenty of things you can do alongside using Canesten Bifonazole Cream to help prevent and treat athlete's foot. Here are our top tips.

The fungus that causes athlete's foot likes a warm, moist environment, therefore you should:

• avoid wearing shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty
• wear clean socks every day
• try to rotate between the shoes you wear
• dry your feet well after washing them

Fungal spores can spread between people, so you should avoid sharing towels, socks and shoes and wear flip-flops in communal changing rooms and showers. Fungal spores can also spread to other parts of your body. Therefore, you should avoid scratching affected areas of skin and use a separate towel for your feet.

You should not use Canesten Bifonazole Cream if you have previously had an allergic reaction to any of the listed ingredients. You should also avoid the medication if you have previously had an allergic reaction to another imidazole antifungal, such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole or fluconazole.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak with your doctor before using the medication.

Canesten Bifonazole Cream can interact with other medicines, such as warfarin. Therefore, if you take any medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medicines, it is best to speak with your pharmacist to ensure it is the right option for you.

As with all medications, some people may experience side effects. Potential side effects from Canesten bifonazole cream can include local skin reactions at the site of application, such as skin redness, irritation, burning and peeling. If any side effects become bothersome, you should speak with your pharmacist or doctor.