Canestan cream for fungal infection on mouth - any GPs or pharmasists around???

[longtallsally2]

Have what seemed to be a cold sore, in the corner of my mouth, which won't clear up. Pharmacist just said it was a fungal infection and recommended canestan. Have applied first dose and it certainly feels better, but after an hour or so I realised that my tongue had touched it.

The leaflet is full of warnings about consulting a doctor if you consume any. I have rinsed my mouth thoroughly but am now very wary. I am being silly aren't I? I will probably learn to eat and drink away from that side of the mouth, but anyone know just how risky getting a bit on your tongue actually is? Should I have the tablets instead??

If just your tongue has touched it, rather than you consuming a chunk I wouldn't worry. However can canesten is an anti fungal and cold sores are viruses, so if you have a cold sore it won't work. If you're looking for an anti fungal that you can use near the mouth without worrying about swallowing it then there's Dalkarin gel, which is used for oral thrush.

Thank you. It definitely isn't a cold sore - but is on the lip/corner of my mouth. Was just setting the scene!

Will try not to let my tongue wander again, but thank you may try the Dalkarin it it's getting too much of a pain to avoid.

Still left wondering why a pharmacist would recommend something dangerous to ingest, to be used on the lips!

Clotrimazole, the active ingredient in canesten cream, is available as a lozenge for oral thrush. So That bit isn't dangerous. The leaflet is probably being over cautious, but some if he things that make it in to a cream might not be great for you either.

Sores at the corner of the mouth can be fungal, bacterial, eczema or vitamin deficiencies. Hopefully yours clears up soon, but I'd it doesn't then best to get a medical opinion.

The soreness on corners of mouth is called Angular Cheilitis.
If you Google it you'll find Clotrimazole (the active ingredient in Canestan) helps cure this annoying symptom.

Hello. It’s interesting about Canesten and Daktarin. Have driven my poor GP mad as neither of them work for the comings and goings of redness on one corner of my mouth. Not pretty!
Best was yellow soft paraffin but again, worked for only a short time. Have come to the conclusion that the flare ups coincide with episodes of extra stress. Have had plenty of those lately haven’t we all).
So, I would suggest try and stay calm as possible and do all you can to sidestep a potential stress. I know, easier to say than done...but give it a go and just stop medications for a few days. Keep it dry and free of make up 😖. Just for a few days,