Lotriderm Cream: Uses for Candida and Fungal Infections

STI Treatments

Lotriderm Cream: Uses for Candida and Fungal Infections

Lotriderm is a prescription cream that combines two active ingredients: clotrimazole (an antifungal) and betamethasone dipropionate (a corticosteroid). It’s used to treat fungal skin infections that are inflamed, red, and itchy, including candida infections in the groin and genital area.

If you’ve been prescribed Lotriderm for a fungal infection or candida, this guide covers how it works, how to apply it, side effects, and how long treatment takes.

What Does Lotriderm Treat?

• Candida skin infections (genital thrush affecting the skin, not vaginal thrush)
• Jock itch (tinea cruris) — fungal rash in the groin
• Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) — when inflamed
• Ringworm (tinea corporis) — when inflamed
• Other fungal skin infections with significant inflammation

Lotriderm is NOT for vaginal thrush (internal). For vaginal candida, treatments like fluconazole tablets or Gyno-Daktarin pessaries are used instead.

How Does Lotriderm Work?

The two ingredients work together:

• Clotrimazole kills the fungus causing the infection by damaging the fungal cell membrane
• Betamethasone reduces inflammation, redness, itching, and swelling, providing rapid symptom relief while the antifungal works

The steroid component means you feel better quickly (reduced itching and redness within 1-2 days), while the antifungal takes a few days longer to fully clear the infection.

How to Use Lotriderm

1. Wash and dry the affected area
2. Apply a thin layer to the infected skin and a small margin of surrounding healthy skin
3. Rub in gently
4. Apply twice daily (morning and evening)
5. Continue for 2-4 weeks depending on the infection
6. Do not cover with bandages unless directed by your doctor
7. Wash your hands after application

Important: Do not use Lotriderm for longer than 4 weeks. The steroid component can thin the skin with prolonged use, particularly in the groin area where skin is already thin and sensitive.

Side Effects

Most people tolerate Lotriderm well. Possible side effects include:

• Burning or stinging at the application site (usually mild and temporary)
• Skin thinning (with prolonged use beyond 4 weeks)
• Stretch marks (rare, with prolonged use in skin folds)
• Skin discolouration at the treated area
• Worsening of the infection if used incorrectly or for the wrong condition

If the rash gets worse during treatment, stop using Lotriderm and see your doctor. It may not be a fungal infection, or the steroid may be masking a different condition.

Who Should Not Use Lotriderm?

• People with viral skin infections (herpes, chickenpox) — the steroid can worsen these
• People with bacterial skin infections (unless also on antibiotics)
• Acne, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis
• Children under 12 (unless under specialist supervision)
• Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor. Avoid prolonged use.

Where to Get Lotriderm in the UK

• GP: Prescription after examination
• Sexual health clinic: If the infection is in the genital area
• Online prescription services: After consultation

Lotriderm is prescription-only in the UK. Plain clotrimazole cream (without the steroid) is available over the counter at pharmacies.

Read more: What is candida? | Fluconazole | Gyno-Daktarin

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Lotriderm for vaginal thrush?

No. Lotriderm is for external skin infections only. For vaginal thrush, use an internal treatment like fluconazole tablets or a clotrimazole pessary. Lotriderm can be used on the surrounding vulval skin if it’s inflamed and itchy.

How quickly does Lotriderm work?

You should notice reduced itching and redness within 2-3 days (the steroid effect). The fungal infection itself takes 2-4 weeks to fully clear. Don’t stop early even if symptoms improve.

Can I buy Lotriderm over the counter?

No. Lotriderm requires a prescription because it contains a potent steroid. Plain clotrimazole cream (Canesten) is available without prescription and may be sufficient for mild fungal infections without significant inflammation.

Related reading

• Using Antibiotics to Prevent STIs: DoxyPEP Explained
• Azithromycin: Uses in Sexual Health
• Best Antibiotics for STIs: A Practical Guide
• Ciprofloxacin for STIs: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
• Clindamycin: Uses in Sexual Health

Sources

• NHS — Sexual health conditions
• BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
• British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
• Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
• UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data

Steve Page

Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.