Many people associate the Canesten name with antifungal treatments for common conditions like thrush. However, the brand also offers a range of wash products, including specific intimate hygiene gels and laundry sanitizers. Because these products serve different purposes and are used in entirely different ways, it is important to follow the correct instructions for each to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How to use Canesten Intimate Wash
Canesten's intimate washes, such as Canesfresh, are designed for the external vulval area to provide gentle cleansing, especially for those with sensitive skin or during a thrush infection. They are soap-free and contain soothing ingredients like glycine to help calm irritation.
Step-by-step instructions for intimate wash:
- Preparation: First, wet your external intimate area with warm water in the shower or bath.
- Application: Pour a small amount of the Canesten Intimate Wash onto your hand. The product is concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Some varieties suggest diluting it with a little water before applying, similar to a standard shower gel.
- Cleansing: Gently apply the wash by hand or with a clean sponge to the entire external intimate area. Do not insert the wash internally. The product is for external use only.
- Rinsing: Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water until all the wash is removed.
- Drying: Pat the area dry gently with a clean, soft towel. Avoid rubbing, which can cause further irritation.
- Frequency: This wash is gentle enough for daily use, or you can use it specifically during times of discomfort from thrush or irritation. For soothing relief, it can be used twice daily.
How to use Canesten Hygiene Laundry Rinse
Canesten also offers a hygiene laundry rinse, a product with an entirely different application and purpose. This laundry additive is formulated to eliminate bacteria and fungi from laundry, helping to break the cycle of reinfection from conditions like thrush or athlete's foot. It is not a personal hygiene product and should never be used on the body.
Step-by-step instructions for laundry rinse (for machine wash):
- Add Detergent: Load your washing machine and add your regular laundry detergent as you normally would.
- Add Rinse: Measure two capfuls of Canesten Hygiene Laundry Rinse. The bottle often comes with a clear cap for easy measuring to a marked line.
- Place in Dispenser: Pour the measured laundry rinse into your machine's fabric softener dispenser. The machine will release it during the final rinse cycle.
- Wash: Start your wash cycle according to the clothing's care instructions. The rinse works effectively even in cold water.
For hand washing:
- Pre-wash: After washing your clothes with detergent, add two capfuls of the laundry rinse to your final rinse water. The typical ratio is two capfuls for every 10 litres of water.
- Soak: Soak the items as part of the final rinse. Do not mix it with detergent.
- Finish: Complete the final rinse as usual.
Comparison: Canesten Intimate Wash vs. Canesten Laundry Rinse
To prevent confusion and potential misuse, understanding the key differences between these two product types is essential.
| Feature | Canesten Intimate Wash | Canesten Hygiene Laundry Rinse |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | External cleansing of the intimate area, soothing irritation and freshening. | Eliminates bacteria and fungi from laundry to prevent cross-infection. |
| Application Area | External vulval area only. | Fabrics and laundry. |
| Usage Method | Applied by hand during a shower or bath and rinsed off. | Added to the fabric softener dispenser of a washing machine or during the final rinse for handwashing. |
| Main Ingredients | Gentle, soap-free formula with ingredients like glycine. | Active biocides, such as Benzalkonium Chloride. |
| Frequency | Can be used daily or as needed during discomfort. | Added to laundry as needed, especially for towels, underwear, or workout gear. |
| Precautions | For external use only; avoid contact with eyes. | Not for personal use; may cause skin and eye irritation in undiluted form. |
General precautions and when to see a doctor
Using any medicated or specialized product requires care. Always read the product label thoroughly before use. For intimate washes, only use it externally and rinse thoroughly. If you experience increased burning, itching, or irritation after use, discontinue and consult a healthcare professional.
For the laundry rinse, follow the specific dilution instructions and keep it out of reach of children. Never mix it with other detergents or chemicals, and avoid contact with skin and eyes in its undiluted form.
If you have a fungal infection like thrush and your symptoms do not improve within a few days of starting treatment with an antifungal cream or pessary, or if they worsen, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist. A wash is a supportive hygiene product, not a primary treatment for a yeast infection. Medical advice is essential for persistent or recurring infections.
Conclusion
Understanding how to use Canesten wash correctly hinges on identifying the specific product you have. Canesten Intimate Wash is a gentle, external cleansing product for personal hygiene, while Canesten Hygiene Laundry Rinse is an additive for disinfecting fabrics. Never confuse the two, and always follow the labeled instructions for safe and effective use. Using the correct product in the right way will provide the intended benefits, whether it's soothing intimate discomfort or sanitizing your laundry.
For additional guidance on intimate health and hygiene, resources like MedlinePlus offer authoritative information.
