Fucidin cream

What is Fucidin cream?

Fucidin cream is a topical treatment that can be prescribed for a number of skin conditions, such as eczema, paronychia (a skin infection around your fingernails or toenails), folliculitis (a condition where your hair follicles become inflamed) and impetigo (a skin infection that often starts with red sores on your face or hands).

Fucidin cream contains the active ingredient fusidic acid. There’s also a hydrocortisone option called Fucidin H. Fucidin H might be more suitable for people with conditions like psoriasis.

How does Fucidin Cream work?

Fusidic acid, the active ingredient in Fucidin cream, is an antibiotic. This means that it's used to treat bacterial infections. Because it's a cream, it's ideal for treating infections on your skin without having to ingest the antibiotic and risk side effects like stomach problems.

Fusidic acid works by stopping infectious bacteria on your skin from multiplying. It does this by preventing them from making a protein that they need in order to reproduce. As a result, your body's immune system is then able to fight off the bacteria.

What doses of Fucidin cream are there?

Fucidin cream is only available in one dose: 20mg/g. But it’s also available as a treatment that contains hydrocortisone, called fucidin H, an ointment and an oral suspension for eye infections like conjunctivitis.

You may also be given Fucidin as a tablet or injection, but normally this is only in a hospital setting.

How to use Fucidin cream

You should always use Fucidin as it’s been prescribed by our clinician.

To use Fucidin cream:

• Remove the cap and check the seal isn’t broken;
• Break the seal using the spike on the cap;
• Gently rub the cream on the affected areas of skin after washing your hands;
• Once you’ve finished using the cream, wash your hands again (unless you’re treating skin on your hands).

How long does it take Fucidin cream to work?

You should start to see an improvement in your skin after one or two days of using Fucidin cream. But even if your skin does look better, it’s important to continue to use the cream for as long as your clinician has told you to, as sometimes the infection can come back if you stop using the treatment early.

The course of treatment for Fucidin cream is usually around one to two weeks, but sometimes it can be longer.

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

Fucidin cream is for external use only. Seek medical help if you accidentally swallow some.

If you accidentally get Fucidin cream in your eyes - rinse it out with water straight away and bathe it with eyewash if possible. You might feel some stinging in your eye, and if you notice problems with your vision after rinsing it you should contact a clinician immediately.

Medically reviewed by

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

on February 21, 2023.

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