*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

How And When To Use Clotrimazole Cream Spray And Solution

NHS medicines information on dosage for clotrimazole, how to use it and what to do if you miss a dose or use too much.

Dosage and strength

Clotrimazole comes as a 1% strength cream, spray or solution.

Apply clotrimazole to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. It will work better if you can use it 3 times a day.

How to use it

If the affected area is large or hairy, it's best to use either the spray or solution.

If you're using clotrimazole on your feet, make sure you wash and thoroughly dry them first, especially between your toes.

How to use clotrimazole cream

Spread the cream on the affected area. A 1cm strip of cream should be enough to treat an area the size of your hand.

Use the cream on your skin only and avoid putting it near your mouth, lips and eyes.

How to use clotrimazole spray

If you're using the spray for the first time, press the spray head down once or twice to get it ready to use.

Hold and spray about 15cm away from the affected area.

How to use clotrimazole solution

Clotrimazole solution comes in a bottle with a plastic dropper that lets the solution out in drops.

Spread clotrimazole solution thinly and evenly on the affected areas.

A few drops of clotrimazole solution should be enough to cover an area the size of a hand.

If it's your ear that's infected, put 2 to 3 drops of clotrimazole solution into your ear.

How long to use it for

How long you use clotrimazole for depends on the type of infection you have.

It's best to use it for at least 2 weeks, even if all signs of the infection have gone, to stop it from coming back. You can use it for up to 4 weeks if needed.

If you forget to use it

If you forget to use your treatment, just apply it as soon as you remember and then keep following your usual routine.

If you use too much

If you use too much clotrimazole cream, spray or solution or use it more often than you need to, it may make your skin irritated or red. If this happens, use less the next time.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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