Candid Cream (clotrimazole) is a topical antifungal cream used to eradicate fungal infections on the skin and groin.

There is a wide range of information on this product on the web, some of which is a little inaccurate. This particular product is for use on the skin only. It should not be used in the mouth; to treat oral flush, try Candid Mouth Paint.

While Candid Cream can be used on the outside of the vagina without harm, it should not be used on mucous membranes and, even if it were used directly on the mucous membranes of the vagina, it will probably not cure the infection; usually an oral antifungal treatment or specially-designed vaginal insert is also prescribed. Candid-B is often preferred for vaginal thrush as it also alleviates symptoms of severe itching, burning, and so forth, as well as killing fungi.

To summarize the differences:

• Candid Cream contains clotrimazole and is for topical use only; it should not be used in the mouth, vagina, or other mucous membranes.
• Candid Mouth Paint also contains clotrimazole but is formulated for use in the mouth.
• Candid-B contains both clotrimazole and beclometasone, an anti-inflammatory that quickly alleviates swelling, redness, itching, burning, and similar symptoms.

Candid-B can also be used for any topical fungal infection if other symptoms---itching, burning, etc---are also severe. If not severe, Candid Cream is preferred.

Candid Cream is effective only against fungal infections and will have no effect on viral or bacterial infections. In some cases it can be difficult to tell the difference; if unsure, consult a doctor before starting treatment.

Using Candid Cream

Candid Cream is used to treat fungal infections of the skin or groin, including the notorious Candida. For example, if can be used to eradicate:

• Jock itch
• Athlete's foot
• Ringworm
• Vaginal thrush (external only)
• Penile thrush (external only)
• Diaper rash
• Other Candidiasis

The area being treated should be washed and dried before each application. Candid Cream is typically applied twice per day, though doctor instructions may vary. Apply enough Candid Cream to fully cover the affected area and gently rub it in until it's mostly absorbed. Wash hands when finished.

Treated areas should not be covered with airtight dressings or tight clothing; this includes not covering treated areas with a diaper if using Candid Cream for diaper rash. Doing so increases the amount of clotrimazole absorbed into the body, which can be particularly dangerous for very young children or very elderly patients.

While Candid Cream does not directly alleviate other symptoms of a fungal infection, the reduction of fungi will help eliminate them. Many patients notice improvements after the first application, and improvements are usually significant after several applications.

Treatment typically continues for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of infection and its severity. Use beyond 4 weeks should be done only with doctor approval. If the condition is not significantly improved after 2 weeks of use, or if it worsens at any time during treatment, stop using Candid Cream and consult a doctor.

Side Effects

Most patients use Candid Cream without any significant side effects. Mild side effects may occur at the application site, but these should fade in just moments and often stop occurring at all after a few applications:

• Stinging
• Small bumps
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Flaking skin

The above are not cause for concern unless persistant or severe.

While other topical or oral treatments may be prescribed along with Candid Cream, the medication can cause interactions, particularly with other topical treatments used in the same area. Though unlikely to be dangerous, these can reduce the effectiveness of one or more medications involved. Only use other medication with doctor or pharmacist approval.

Very rarely an allergic reaction is experienced in response to Candid Cream; symptoms include severe rash, hives, swelling of the face and/or throat, rapid or erratic heartbeat, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness and/or confusion, and so forth. If this happens wash the cream off and immediately seek medical attention.