Clotrimazole 1%
Clotrimazole 1% w/w (topical antifungal)
The honest answer to ringworm — if you use it long enough and skip the steroid-combo shortcuts.
Educational reference only — not medical advice. *Doses shown are typical adult label doses. Read the pack, and confirm with a doctor or pharmacist — especially for children, pregnancy, the elderly, or any chronic condition.
What it's for
Uses
Why it earns its place
Benefits
- Treats the infection itself, not just the itch
- Well tolerated on most skin, including skin folds
- Cheap, widely available, and effective when the full course is completed
The honest column
Side effects
Common — usually settle
- Mild burning or redness in the first applications
- Slight peeling as skin heals
Stop & see a doctor
- Rash spreading or blistering despite 2 weeks of correct use — see a doctor (may need oral therapy)
Before you take it
Cautions & interactions
- Avoid steroid-antifungal combo creams (widely misused in India) — they hide the rash while the fungus spreads
- Stopping when the itch stops = relapse; continue 1 week beyond visible clearing
- Keep the area dry — fungus thrives in Indian humidity; loose cotton helps
- Everyone in the house with a patch should treat at the same time; don't share towels
On the shelf
Brands in India & where to buy
Prices are indicative MRPs for the listed pack sizes and change often — always verify on the pharmacy listing or pack. Links open marketplace searches; Naked Compound has no sponsorship or affiliate arrangement with any brand listed. Brand names are examples of what's commonly stocked, not endorsements.
When to skip self-medication
Fever beyond 3 days, blood anywhere it shouldn't be, chest pain or breathlessness, severe abdominal pain, a child under 6, pregnancy, or symptoms bouncing back within a week — any of these means see a doctor the same day instead of reaching for this pack.
Read this before you reach for anything
This page is an educational reference, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a prescription. Doses shown are typical adult label doses for short-term self-care. Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, and anyone with chronic conditions or on regular medication should check with a doctor or pharmacist first. If symptoms are severe, unusual, or match any red flag above, skip the self-medication and see a doctor. Read how we work in our methodology.