Frequently Asked Questions
Thrush
Is itch a sign of thrush infection?
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 recurrent 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.
Click here for more top tips on preventing thrush.
How do I treat vaginal thrush?
In terms of how to treat thrush, you can easily and effectively treat thrush at home with Canesten® treatments which are 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.
Click here to see our full range of products.
Is there any Canesten® treatment that is more effective?
Our comprehensive range of thrush treatment options are all effective at treating thrush infections. We offer a range of treatment applications and formats so everyone can find a treatment they’re comfortable with and the one that suits their needs.
Click here to see our full range to help you choose the thrush treatment that’s best for you.
What is a combination thrush treatment?
Combination treatments are a complete treatment for thrush. All combination treatments include an internal treatment (vaginal pessary, soft gel pessary, vaginal cream or oral capsule) and an external treatment (a tube of cream) to treat both the cause and the symptoms of thrush for a complete relief.
Do I need a prescription for Canesten® thrush treatments?
No. Canesten® thrush treatments are conveniently available online or at your local pharmacy or grocery store.
Can I use Canesten® thrush treatments if I’m pregnant?
You should speak to your healthcare professional if you are pregnant and think you have thrush, before using any product to treat the infection. Medicines can affect the unborn baby. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy.
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.
What time of day can I use Canesten® thrush treatments?
You can use Canesten® thrush treatments either day or night. However, vaginal treatments are best applied before you go to bed, as 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 the product as the product may leave some residue after using the pessary, which does not mean that the treatment has not worked. However, if you notice pieces of undissolved pessary, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist, as the treatment may not have worked properly.
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 you have sex when you have thrush?
It's best to avoid sex until thrush has cleared up.
It’s 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 contraception methods after using Canesten® thrush treatments.
Can you 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, or you can pass it to a new partner. Some women suffer from recurrent thrush infections. To reduce frequency of these attacks, the sexual partner's penis can be treated with Canesten® Thrush External Cream.
In the case that your male sexual partner develops thrush of the penis (candidal balanitis), he can treat it either with Canesten® Cream or Canesten® Thrush Oral Capsule.
What should I do if my symptoms don’t go away after treatment?
Consult your doctor if the symptoms of your infection do not improve within seven days of finishing treatment. It could be that the symptoms are caused by another condition.
Can men get thrush?
Yes, men can get thrush too, even though they may not experience any symptoms. If men develop thrush (candidal balanitis), it can be treated with Canesten® Thrush Oral Capsule or Canesten® Cream if the infection is associated with a recent sexual partner. If men experience thrush symptoms without a recent sexual partner's infection of thrush, they should speak to their doctor.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
I’ve never heard of bacterial vaginosis (BV) before. What is it?
Bacterial Vaginosis or BV is actually the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. In most cases of BV, there is no need to worry as the symptoms can be easily treated with Canesbalance. BV is generally caused by the pH in your vagina.
Click here to find out more about BV.
What are the symptoms of BV?
The most common symptoms of BV are unpleasant intimate odour and watery, greyish discharge.
Click here to learn about other symptoms of BV.
I’ve noticed a really bad smell ‘down there’ and washing hasn’t gotten rid of it. How do I get rid of the odour down there?
An unpleasant intimate odour is a common symptom of BV. Unfortunately washing can contribute to the smell rather than getting rid of the infection. This is because excessive washing with regular soaps or shower gels and vaginal douching can change the pH balance of your vagina. This can then lead to a pH imbalance of your intimate area which can trigger BV.
Thrush or bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
It can be difficult to notice the difference between thrush and BV. It can also be easy to mistake BV for thrush because awareness of BV is very is low. However, the symptoms and causes of both are different. Thrush is a yeast infection, whereas BV is a bacterial infection. Canestest self-test can help you to read your symptoms and it’s easy-to-use. Canestest is available online, in pharmacies or selected grocery stores.
Is BV a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
No. It is important to remember that BV is not a sexually transmitted infection and any male sexual partners would not need treatment.
How to treat BV?
If you’ve taken our Canestest self-test or you’ve been diagnosed by your doctor before or you know you have BV, you can use Canesbalance® which will help you treat the symptoms of your infection. Canesbalance® BV Vaginal Gel or Canesbalance® BV Vaginal Pessaries are clinically proven 7-day treatments which provide immediate relief from the unpleasant odour, whilst also effectively relieving the abnormal discharge.
For more details about our Bacterial Vaginosis products, click here.
How does Canesbalance® work?
Canesbalance® contains a prebiotic and a postbiotic. The postbiotic is lactic acid which restores the normal pH of the vagina and thus effectively relieves the unpleasant odour. The prebiotic is glycogen which provides nutrients to the good bacteria and supports their growth, restoring the normal vaginal flora. Canesbalance® is clinically proven.
What time of the day can I use Canesbalance?
Canesbalance is best to be applied before you go to bed as laying down will help the product to say in place. Some leakage can occur with the product use. You may want to use panty liners to protect your clothing during the time you are using Canesbalance.
Can I use Canesbalance® during pregnancy?
Canesbalance® can be used during pregnancy. However, you should see your doctor if you think you may have a vaginal infection during pregnancy.
What should I do if my symptoms don’t go away after treatment?
Consult your doctor if you experience no symptom relief after using Canesbalance® as instructed. It may be also possible that the symptoms are caused by another condition.
Vaginal Dryness
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 the different medications you might be 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).
You can learn more about other causes here.
Can I use any type of lubricant to help deal with my vaginal dryness?
It’s best to use a product designed specifically for vaginal dryness, as it moisturises and helps to protect your vagina for longer than regular lubricant.
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.
Cystitis
Why does it burn when I pee? Is it cystitis?
A burning or stinging sensation when you urinate can be a symptom of cystitis, but there are other symptoms you should look for too, such as a frequent need to urinate or feeling that you can’t fully empty your bladder. However, if you have dark, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, or if there is blood in your urine, it could be a sign of a more severe infection. Visit your doctor if you’re unsure about whether you have cystitis or not.
What is the difference between cystitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs)?
The terms UTI and cystitis are often used interchangeably, however they’re not the same thing – cystitis is a type of UTI, but you can get cystitis that is not specifically a UTI. This is because cystitis is any inflammation of the bladder including both bacterial cystitis and non-infections cystitis. As the name suggests, UTIs are bacterial infections and only fall under the category of bacterial cystitis.
How do I treat cystitis?
If this is the first time you have had cystitis, you should visit a doctor to seek the appropriate treatment for your infection. A short course of antibiotics is the usual treatment, but the condition may improve without the need for antibiotics.
How to prevent cystitis in the future?
One of the best things you can do to prevent cystitis is to drink plenty of water. If you’re prone to cystitis it’s also a good idea to avoid caffeinated, alcoholic and fizzy drinks.
Can I have sex when I have cystitis?
It’s best to avoid having sex until your cystitis clears up. However, if you are having sex then make sure you empty your bladder fully after sex and consider changing contraceptives. If you use a diaphragm this can increase the risk of experiencing cystitis.
Athlete's Foot
How to 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.
How long does the treatment take?
Depending on the product, recommended treatment time varies, so it’s important that you read the instructions inside the package before use. The symptoms of the skin infection, such as itching or soreness, should improve after using Canesten Athlete’s foot creams. If the symptoms do not improve, please consult your doctor.
Does athlete’s foot go away on its own?
Athlete's foot is unlikely go away without treatment. You can buy antifungal medicines, such as Canesten Athlete’s Foot Cream. Depending on the product, recommended treatment time varies, so it’s important that you read the instructions inside the package before use. The symptoms of the skin infection, such as itchy white patches between your toes or red, sore patches on your feet should improve after using Canesten Athlete’s foot creams. If the symptoms do not improve, 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, which are more breathable, 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 to 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.
Fungal Nail
How to treat fungal nail infection?
You can treat your fungal nail infection with Canespro® ointment; the ointment has to be applied daily on the infected area of the nail, which is then covered by a plaster for 24h. Then, the softened part of the nail can be gently removed with the plastic tool. This gentle removal usually takes time, and exposes the main root of the infection (as in most cases fungal nail infections occur under the nail plate, on the nail bed).
How long does it take to treat fungal nail infection?
Treating a fungal nail infection can be a lengthy process, and most treatments can take several months to show visible changes. Canespro is the shortest treatment towards healthy nails. Canespro works to expose the root of the infection, as 85% of fungal nail infections occur under the nail plate, on the nail bed. After completing the treatment with Canespro, a topical anti-fungal cream should then be regularly applied to the nail bed.
Can I get a fungal nail infection on my fingernail?
Yes, you can, although you’re seven times more likely to get an infection on one of your toenails than on one of your fingernails. This is because the environments your feet are in (moist socks and shoes, public changing rooms or swimming pool floors) are where the fungi that cause fungal nail infections are most often found.
Is fungal nail infection contagious?
Yes, it is contagious and if you don't treat the infection, there's a chance it will spread to other nails, so it is important to start your treatment as early as possible. It is best to avoid changing rooms, swimming pools and nail/beauty salons while you have a fungal nail infection to prevent the infection from spreading.
How to prevent fungal nail infection in the future?
The best way to avoid future fungal nail infections is to take good care of your feet and nails. For example, always dry your feet carefully, and wear flip flops in swimming pools or public changing rooms.
Jock Itch
How 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?
Most often not, 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 jock itch treatment last?
Once you start treatment your jock itch should clear up within the timeframe stated on the packaging instructions. 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 jock itch is contagious, it could be transferred to your partner during sex.
Ringworm
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 is often transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected human to another human.
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 for treating ringworm including different formats.
How to prevent ringworm in the 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 (Intertrigo)
What causes sweat rash?
Infected 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.
How to prevent sweat rash in the future?
Keep your skin cool and dry and try to stick to wearing clothes with breathable fabric such as cotton.
Click here for more tips on preventing sweat rash.
Fungal Nappy Rash
My baby’s nappy rash has lasted for several days, what should I do?
If the rash has not improved despite treatments, it could be candidal nappy rash, which can be treated with an anti-fungal treatment. If you suspect your baby might have candidal nappy rash, please see your doctor.
What causes fungal nappy rash?
Your baby’s skin is very delicate and easily irritated by friction and prolonged contact with urine and stool 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 Nappy Care 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 or fungal nappy rash, you can treat the infection with an anti-fungal product such as Canesten Cream. Speak to your doctor for further advice.
Click here to learn more about treating fungal nappy rash.
What can I do to protect against the causes of nappy rash?
Try to allow your baby to move around without a nappy for as long as possible, make sure to change nappies regularly, and you can use Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment to care for and protect your baby’s delicate skin from irritants and rubbing.
For more top tips on fungal nappy rash prevention, click here.