Frequently Asked Questions
Thrush
- I’m feeling pretty itchy, is it thrush?
- I hear if you get thrush once, it may come back again. How can I prevent that from happening?
- How do I treat thrush?
- Is there any Canesten treatment that is more effective?
- What is a combination thrush treatment?
- Do I need a prescription for Canesten thrush treatments?
- Can I use Canesten thrush treatments if I’m pregnant?
- What time of day can I use Canesten thrush treatments?
- Is there any food or drink, like alcohol, that I need to avoid whilst using Canesten thrush treatments?
- Can I have sex whilst treating thrush?
- Can I get thrush from having sex?
- Can men get thrush?
- Is thrush common?
- What should I do if I think I have thrush?
- Are there any factors that can contribute to getting thrush?
- Am I more susceptible to thrush on antibiotics?
I’m feeling pretty itchy, is it thrush?
Itchiness is a common symptom of thrush, so you might be right. Take a look at our thrush page to see if you have any of the other common symptoms.
I hear if you get thrush once, it may come back again. How can I prevent that from happening?
If you get thrush once it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get it again. However, to prevent the recurrence of thrush you may need to make some simple changes to your lifestyle. For example, you should avoid using deodorants and perfumed products around your intimate area and make sure to change your underwear after working out.
How do I treat thrush?
You can easily and effectively treat thrush at home with Canesten treatments available without prescription. We recommend you use a combination treatment to both clear the infection and calm the symptoms such as itching, burning, redness, swelling and soreness.
Is there any Canesten treatment that is more effective?
Our complete range of treatment options are all effective at treating your thrush infection. We offer a range of treatment applications and formats so everyone can find a treatment they’re comfortable with and suits their needs.
Click here to see our full range to help you choose the treatment that’s best for you.
What is a combination thrush treatment?
Combination treatments are a 2 in 1 treatment for both the cause and symptoms of thrush. All combination treatments include an internal treatment (vaginal pessary, vaginal cream or oral capsule) and an external treatment (a tube of cream) to relieve symptoms like itchiness and inflammation.
For combination treatment, try CanesOral Duo or Canesten 1 Day Pessary & External Cream.
Do I need a prescription for Canesten thrush treatments?
No, you don't need a prescription to buy Canesten thrush treatments. They're available over the counter in pharmacies, following a consultation with the pharmacist. During this short consultation, the pharmacist will ask you a few questions. This is standard procedure and is to ensure they give you the right treatment. These questions may include:
- Are you under 18 or over 60 years of age?
- Have you ever had thrush before?
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What are your symptoms?
Can I use Canesten thrush treatments if I’m pregnant?
During pregnancy women often get thrush because of the changes going on in the body, especially during the third trimester.
You can treat thrush during pregnancy with vaginal Canesten thrush treatments that contain clotrimazole. You should not use oral thrush treatment as it contains fluconazole which should be avoided during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and think you have a thrush, it is best talk to your healthcare professional before using any product to treat the infection.
What time of day can I use Canesten thrush treatments?
You can use Canesten thrush treatments during day or night. However, vaginal treatments are best to be applied before you go to bed, and you can expect some leakage with the product use. For best results, lie down as soon as possible after inserting the vaginal products. This will reduce leakage. You may want to use panty liners to protect your clothing during the time you are using Canesten.
Is there any food or drink, like alcohol, that I need to avoid whilst using Canesten thrush treatments?
No, you can eat and drink normally while using Canesten thrush treatments.
Can I have sex whilst treating thrush?
It's best to avoid sex until thrush has cleared up.
Important to know that clotrimazole cream can damage the latex used in condoms and diaphragms. This can mean your contraception will not work as well as it should. Consequently, you should use alternative precautions for at least five days after using Canesten thrush cream.
Can I get thrush from having sex?
Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection, however if you are having sex with the same person (male or female) you can pass thrush back and forth. Some women suffer from recurrent attacks of thrush. To reduce the frequency of these attacks, the sexual partner’s penis can be treated with over-the-counter medication. Seek medical advice from your GP or Pharmacist before commencing treatment.
Can men get thrush?
Yes, men can get thrush too, even though they may not experience any symptoms.
Is thrush common?
Yes. 70-75% of women will experience at least one episode of thrush in their lifetime, and 40-50% of women will experience at least one repeat episode1.
1.Sobel JD, Lancet, 2007.
What should I do if I think I have thrush?
If this is the first time you have had thrush, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.
If you have experienced thrush in the past, you can visit your local pharmacy where the pharmacist will be able to recommend an appropriate treatment.
If you need support diagnosing your symptoms try Canesten Vaginal pH Self Test. Canesten Vaginal pH Self Test helps you to diagnose common vaginal infections in the comfort of your home, quickly giving you results that are over 90% accurate1. It’s an innovative solution that will help put you back in control of your intimate health and give you the ability to request the treatment you need if you are suffering from thrush or consult with a doctor.
1. Nyirjesy, Paul, et al. "The performance of an innovative self-sampling test for vaginitis-Selfcare Journal”. SelfCare 2017;8(3):1-
Are there any factors that can contribute to getting thrush?
Yes. Thrush is caused by a change in the pH balance of your vagina. These are some of the factors which can bring about this change:
- Antibiotics can destroy the friendly bacteria that keeps vaginal yeast under control
- Hormone changes brought on by pregnancy, the pill, or a period
- Poor diet, lack of sleep, or stress
- A weak immune system brought on by illness
- Over-use of chemical deodorants, perfumed bodywash or sprays near the vagina
- Tight or synthetic clothing creating a warm, moist environment
Am I more susceptible to thrush on antibiotics?
Yes, as antibiotics suppress the normal vaginal flora that controls the growth of yeast, allowing the yeast to take over.
Bacterial Vaginosis
- I’ve never heard of bacterial vaginosis (BV) before. What is it?
- What are the symptoms of BV?
- I’ve noticed a really bad smell ‘down there’ and washing hasn’t gotten rid of it – help!
- Thrush or bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
- Is BV a sexually transmitted infection?
- I think I might have BV. What do I do?
I’ve never heard of bacterial vaginosis (BV) before. What is it?
BV is actually one of the most common vaginal infections in women of reproductive age, and in most cases there is no need to worry. It’s generally caused by an imbalance in the pH of your vagina.
What are the symptoms of BV?
Symptoms vary from woman to woman, but some common symptoms to look out for include a fishy or unpleasant odour and watery, greyish-white discharge.
I’ve noticed a really bad smell ‘down there’ and washing hasn’t gotten rid of it – help!
A fishy odour is a common symptom of BV but unfortunately washing can actually contribute to the smell rather than getting rid of it. This is because excessive washing with regular soaps or shower gels and vaginal douching can change the pH balance of your vagina, leading to a BV infection and the odour.
Thrush or bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
It’s easy to mistake BV for thrush because awareness of BV is very is low, but in fact the symptoms and causes are different. Thrush is a yeast infection, whereas BV is a bacterial infection. We’ll help you to reliably diagnose yourself with our easy-to-use Canesten Vaginal pH Self Test.
Is BV a sexually transmitted infection?
No. It is important to remember that BV is not a sexually transmitted infection and any male sexual partners would not need treatment.
I think I might have BV. What do I do?
If you think you might have BV, we recommend that you consult with your GP for treatment advice.
Vaginal Dryness
- What is the link between menopause and vaginal dryness?
- I haven’t started menopause, but I am still experiencing vaginal dryness. Is that normal?
- How can I prevent vaginal dryness?
What is the link between menopause and vaginal dryness?
With less oestrogen in your body due to menopause, you’re more likely to experience vaginal dryness. That’s because a decrease in oestrogen causes your vaginal walls to become thinner and means you’ll naturally produce less lubricant in your cervix.
I haven’t started menopause, but I am still experiencing vaginal dryness. Is that normal?
Yes, vaginal dryness occurs in women at any age including before menopause. This may be because of different medications you’re taking or because you’re not aroused or having enough foreplay before sex (though vaginal dryness can affect you during your day-to-day life, not just during sex).
How can I prevent vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness doesn’t have to hinder your daily life at any age and there are steps you can take to help prevent it. Avoid using deodorants and perfumed products in and around your intimate area and use lubricant during sex.
Athlete's Foot
- How do I treat athlete’s foot?
- If I ignore it, will it go away on its own?
- How long does the treatment take?
- Can I continue exercising if I have athlete’s foot?
- How do I prevent athlete’s foot in future?
- Can Athlete's Foot affect my toenails?
- Can only Athletes Get Athletes Foot?
- Can I catch athlete's foot by sharing a towel with someone who has it?
How do I treat athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot is a very common skin infection caused by fungus, and you can treat it easily with an anti-fungal medicine applied directly onto the infected area. There are several Canesten products available to treat your athlete’s foot.
If I ignore it, will it go away on its own?
Unfortunately not. Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection which requires treatment with anti-fungal medicine. The earlier you treat it the sooner it will clear up. For information on treating athlete’s foot simply and effectively, visit our athlete’s foot treatment page.
How long does the treatment take?
Depending on the product, recommended treatment time varies. The symptoms of the skin infection, such as itching or soreness, should improve within a few days of treatment with all Canesten Athlete’s foot creams. You will need to continue treatment for 2 weeks after symptoms disappear, to avoid recurrence. If the symptoms do not improve within 7 days, please consult your doctor.
Can I continue exercising if I have athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot shouldn’t stop you from exercising, though you should stay away from swimming in order to help prevent spreading the infection. When exercising, you should wear cotton socks and in changing rooms you should wear flip flops or sandals. After exercising, be sure to properly clean and dry your feet, wash your socks in hot water and let your shoes dry after wearing them.
How do I prevent athlete’s foot in future?
There are a few simple steps you can take to lower your risk of getting athlete’s foot. The most important measure you can take is to keep your feet clean and dry, especially after spending time in public changing rooms, pools or showers. You can also try using Tinaderm Powder Spray, which can help to prevent reinfection if regularly sprayed on the feet, shoes and/or socks.
Can Athlete's Foot affect my toenails?
If left untreated, athlete's foot can spread into your nail. This can cause a fungal nail infection, resulting in your nail becoming discoloured and thick and start to deteriorate and crumble.
Can only Athletes Get Athletes Foot?
You don’t need to be an athlete to get this infection. Athlete’s foot got its name because the fungus that causes it likes to hang out in places athlete frequent, like showers, swimming pools and locker rooms. Anyone who gets exposed to the fungus can get infected included women.
Can I catch athlete's foot by sharing a towel with someone who has it?
Yes, Tinea (Athlete's Foot) can be spread by skin to skin contact or indirectly through towels, clothes or floors.
Jock Itch
- What can I do to treat Jock Itch?
- I have a rash on my scrotum and/or penis, is this jock itch?
- How long does the treatment last?
- Should I stop having sex until my jock itch clears up?
- Who gets jock itch?
- How did I get jock itch?
- Can I get jock itch by sharing a bed with someone who has it?
- Does being a boxers or briefs guy make a difference?
- Can women also get jock itch?
What can I do to treat Jock Itch?
Jock itch is a fungal infection, so you can use an anti-fungal treatment to clear it up.
I have a rash on my scrotum and/or penis, is this jock itch?
Not usually, as jock itch is normally found around the groin area, inner thighs and buttocks, not your genitalia. If you have a rash on your scrotum and/or your penis, it’s best to see your doctor so you get the correct diagnosis and treatment.
How long does the treatment last?
Once you start treatment your jock itch should clear up within 3-4 weeks. If the symptoms do not improve or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Should I stop having sex until my jock itch clears up?
Yes, you should. Since this fungal infection is contagious, it could be transferred to your partner during sex.
Who gets jock itch?
You don't have to be a jock to get jock itch. While it usually affects guys, girls can become infected by it too.
Certain factors can make jock itch more likely to develop such as excessive sweating while playing sports, hot and humid weather, friction from wearing tight or wet clothes for extended periods (like bathing suits), sharing towels with others.
How did I get jock itch?
Jock itch can be spread from other fungal infections such as athlete's foot which can be picked up from walking barefoot in a public shower floor, swimming pools or from using someone else's towel. It is possible to spread the fungus to your groin area from your towel or sharing towels.
Can I get jock itch by sharing a bed with someone who has it?
You can catch jock itch by contaminated towels, clothing and bed linen. You can also transfer the infection by skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infected, and of course by touching an object that carries the fungus.
Does being a boxers or briefs guy make a difference?
The area of the groin is a perfect environment for the growth of the fungus that causes jock itch as it's warm and moist. Wearing tight fitting clothing can often encourage the growth of fungi, making looser cotton underwear a better alternative.
Can women also get jock itch?
While the vast majority of individuals who suffer from jock itch symptoms are male, females can also get this form of infection themselves.
Ringworm
- Is ringworm caused by worms?
- Is ringworm contagious?
- How do I treat ringworm?
- Can animals get ringworm?
- How can I prevent ringworm in future?
Is ringworm caused by worms?
No! Ringworm is a fungal skin infection, and has nothing to do with worms. It gets its name from the ring-shaped rash that develops on your skin from the fungal infection.
Is ringworm contagious?
Yes, ringworm is contagious and can be transmitted from pets and farm animals to humans as well as from human to human. For tips on how to lower your risk of ringworm and stop it from spreading, visit our prevention page.
How do I treat ringworm?
As ringworm is a fungal infection, you need to use an anti-fungal treatment to treat it effectively. Canesten has a range of treatment products available including different applications, click here to learn more.
Can animals get ringworm?
Yes. If your pet has patches of missing fur, it could be ringworm. Check your family and other pets for signs of the infection and take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. If you come across an animal that you think is infected you should stay away to avoid getting the infection yourself.
How can I prevent ringworm in future?
Ringworm is contagious, however you can take measures to prevent it from spreading and recurring. For example, if someone has ringworm, make sure his or her clothing, towels and bed linen are washed separately.
Sweat Rash
- What causes sweat rash?
- How do I know if I have sweat rash?
- Will regular moisturiser or body creams help with sweat rash?
- What can I do to prevent sweat rash in future?
What causes sweat rash?
Sweat rash is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast (Candida) due to humidity, friction and lack of ventilation between skin folds.
How do I know if I have sweat rash?
Common symptoms include a red rash, inflamed, itchy or broken skin. These symptoms usually show up in areas where your skin rubs together, such as under your arms.
Will regular moisturiser or body creams help with sweat rash?
Candidal sweat rash may not go away on its own; you may need to use an anti-fungal product to treat it. If your sweat rash is inflamed, you can use a soothing treatment that also tackles the infection. For more information, visit our treatment page.
What can I do to prevent sweat rash in future?
Keep your skin cool and dry and try to stick to wearing clothes with breathable fabric such as cotton.
Nappy Rash
- My baby’s nappy rash has lasted for several days, what should I do?
- What causes nappy rash?
- What products can I use ?
- What can I do to protect against the causes of nappy rash?
- What's better for my baby - cloth nappies or disposables?
- Should I do anything differently for a boy versus a girl?
- Do I need to take my baby to see a doctor to get treatment?
My baby’s nappy rash has lasted for several days, what should I do?
If the rash has lasted for 3 days or more despite treatments, it could be Candidal nappy rash, which needs to be treated with an anti-fungal treatment. If you suspect your baby might have Candidal nappy rash, speak to a health professional such as a pharmacist or GP.
What causes nappy rash?
Your baby’s skin is very delicate and easily irritated by friction and prolonged contact with urine and stools in the nappy. Nappy rash can also be caused by a Candidal yeast infection.
Click here for more information about Candidal nappy rash and non-Candidal nappy rash.
What products can I use ?
You can protect your baby’s bottom from the causes of nappy rash by using a nappy care ointment, such as Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment, at every nappy change. Bepanthen ointment works in two ways to care for baby’s skin and protect it from the causes of nappy rash. It contains pro-vitamin B5 which gently aids natural recovery of sensitive skin while keeping it soft, smooth and moisturised. Bepanthen protects your baby’s delicate skin from irritants and rubbing by forming a transparent layer. If your baby has Candidal nappy rash, your doctor or pharmacist may advise the use of a combined anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal cream such as Canesten Extra, with a follow-on anti-fungal treatment. These treatments are available with consultation from a pharmacist or doctor.
What can I do to protect against the causes of nappy rash?
Try to allow your baby to move around without a nappy on for as long as possible, make sure to change nappies regularly, and use Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment every day to care for and protect your baby’s delicate skin from irritants and rubbing.
What's better for my baby - cloth nappies or disposables?
There are pros and cons for each method, but the most important thing is getting your baby out of a wet and dirty nappy as soon as possible. This will help minimise the chance of nappy rash.
Should I do anything differently for a boy versus a girl?
Whether you have a baby girl or boy you still want to make sure that you keep the nappy area as clean and dry as possible.
When cleaning a baby girl, always make sure you wipe her genitals from front to back. When cleaning a baby boy make sure you keep his penis clean on all sides, including the tip.
Do I need to take my baby to see a doctor to get treatment?
No, you can speak to your Pharmacist who may recommend Canesten Extra for the treatment of fungal nappy rash. However, if the the nappy rash either worsening or does not clearing up, you should speak to your doctor.
Beach fungus
- What is beach fungus?
- Can you only get beach fungus at the beach?
- Does it only occur in Summer?
- How did I get beach Fungus?
- How can I avoid Beach Fungus infection?
What is beach fungus?
Beach fungus (pityriasis versicolor) is a harmless skin disease caused by an overgrowth of fungus called "Malassezia furfur" which may also be found on normal skin.
Can you only get beach fungus at the beach?
Beach fungus has nothing to do with the beach, but it is a fungal infection which may take some time to treat. The name beach fungus comes from it becoming more visible due to tanning of the surrounding skin after sun exposure.
Does it only occur in Summer?
No, it can appear all year round as your skin is exposed to warm and humid conditions.
How did I get beach Fungus?
Beach fungus is not contagious, and you can not spread it or receive it from anyone else. It is over growth of fungus that is normally found on your skin "Malassezia furfur" which is due to exposure to warm and humid conditions.
How can I avoid Beach Fungus infection?
Some people seem prone to this fungus multiplying on their skin and the rash may come back after treatment. It is helpful to let your skin breath and avoid excess exposure to warm humid conditions.