Fucidin

What is Fucidin?

Fucidin is a cream that contains fusidic acid. It's used to treat skin infections caused by germs (bacteria), like impetigo and some cases of folliculitis in which hair follicles are infected.

Impetigo is a common infection that mainly affects children. It’s not serious, but it is very contagious. It causes red patches on your face or limbs that are swollen and ooze for a few days before forming a yellowish crust. These patches can be itchy and painful. They may go away on their own, but treatment helps them heal faster and reduces the risk of spreading the condition to others.

Folliculitis is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become inflamed, sometimes due to a bacterial infection. It can cause small pimples around the hair follicles, and the affected area may be itchy and painful.

How does Fucidin work?

The active ingredient in Fucidin, fusidic acid, is a bacteriostatic antibiotic. This means that it helps prevent the growth of bacteria while your immune system clears the infection. Fusidic acid works by blocking a protein that bacteria need to make new cells. This protein is called elongation factor G (EF-G).

And here’s something interesting: Fusidic acid has a unique structure and works differently from other antibiotics. So because bacteria haven't come across anything like it before, they’re less likely to be resistant to it.

What doses of Fucidin are there?

Fucidin comes in one strength, which is Fucidin 20mg/g. It's a cream that is white or off-white in colour and contains 20mg of fusidic acid in every gram of cream.

How to use Fucidin

It's important to ask your clinician how to use Fucidin cream, as their instructions may vary depending on your symptoms. Generally, you'll apply Fucidin cream 3 or 4 times a day for one to two weeks.

Here are some simple tips to follow:

• Before using Fucidin cream, make sure to wash your hands.
• After applying the cream, unless you're treating your hands, remember to wash your hands again.
• Apply a thin layer of cream to the infected area and gently rub it in.
• When using it on your face, be careful not to get it into your eyes.

How long does Fucidin take to work?

You should start seeing results from Fucidin cream within a few days but it’s important not to stop the treatment and keep using it for as long as your clinician tells you to. Typically, topical treatment with fusidic acid lasts for 1 to 2 weeks, although in some cases it may be longer.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Fucidin?

If you forget to apply Fucidin Cream, simply use it as soon as you remember and continue with your regular schedule.

If the medicine accidentally gets into your eye, rinse it with cold water and then use eyewash (if you have it around the house) to cleanse your eye. You may experience a stinging sensation.

If you apply too much cream or accidentally get some in your mouth, don’t worry, it’s unlikely to cause harm. However, if you have concerns or if you or your child accidentally swallow a lot of the medicine, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.