Antifungal creams
This post describes the multiple uses for antifungal creams (containing 1% Clotrimazole) for backpacking and backcountry skiing activities. They can treat some common problems and unexpectedly provide rapid pain relief.
Introduction
My primary use for antifungal creams was for controlling fungal skin infections between the toes in sweaty boots. With my use of anti-stink boot and sock treatments this reason for using the antifungal cream has almost been eliminated. However, other more subtle uses remain. Consequently, a small tube of the cream is an essential part of my backpacking, trekking or backcountry skiing kit.
It’s worth its weight in nanograms or super-down!
Mothy The Elder
The other benefits of antifungal creams
Blister relief
A tiny amount of the antifungal cream, if applied preventatively, can provide lubrication to prevent blisters between toes and rub points against socks. If ‘hot patches’ or blisters have started it will also act to restrict further development of the blisters. While relieving the blister problem, the cream also provides immediate pain reduction and a mysterious euphoric feeling after the application of the cream. “Yes, this euphoric sensation can happen even when the cream is massaged in by yourself and not some other kind and unfortunate person.”
The active antifungal ingredient, clotrimazole 10 mg/g of vanishing cream. It is broadly antifungal (or fungistatic) with limited antibacterial activity and theoretically, it should not have such an immediate pain-relieving effect.
Sore track-weary foot sole relief
Also when a tiny trace of the cream is applied and rubbed into the soles of very tired sore feet after a long day of trekking it gives a similar euphoric feeling. “I know this sounds unlikely for feet with no fungi or blisters problems, just feet that feel so tender that they can’t endure another step.”
Groin chafing and other relief down there
Similarly, my male walking friends have used my cream on summer groin chafing (jock itch) and the condition has improved quickly and reportedly provided immediate pain relief. A female walking friend has also used the cream for a uniquely feminine fungal issue and they too report immediate relief of pain.
I have investigated both Canesten and Clonea creams that both have the observed soothing effects but as described above, neither have any active chemicals that should account for this rapid soothing effect.
Discussion
Another Canesten product that I have not yet used is Canesten Plus. It is marketed to females. It has additional hydrocortisone added for short term inflammation and pain relief. “And no, I have not got the ladies product mixed up with mine yet!”
It is indeed rather odd that the simple antifungal cream (with only clotrimazole as the active chemical could have this immediate pain-relieving effect. This means that the soothing effects may just be placebo effects.
“Well, if it works, it works, even if it shouldn’t!”
Mothy The Elder
Conclusion
I have found Canesten and Clonea antifungal creams to be equally effective for blister prevention, groin chafing or jock itch and relief of tired hikers feet. The Clonea is much cheaper at discount pharmacies and the small tubes are very convenient for backpacking. I sometimes give these as small but useful stocking filler presents to active friends at Christmas time and none has taken any offence yet.
Tim
Addendum
I have noticed that my regular pharmacies have been out of stocks of Clonea and several new brands of antifungal creams containing clotrimazole 10 mg/g are now available. Many of these also have an option of additional pain relief agents such as hydrocortisone included in the cream. So this may make them even better for fungi, itch and pain-free backpacking.
