Fucidin Cream

What is Fucidin Cream?

Fucidin is a cream that is used to treat skin infections. It contains fusidic acid, which is a form of antibiotic and works by killing the bacteria that causes skin infections to occur.

It is used in the treatment of infected eczema, but can also be used for the likes of impetigo and infected dermatitis.

What is Fucidin used to treat?

Fucidin cream is used in the treatment of skin infections, including infected eczema.

Eczema is a very common skin condition which can affect both children and adults. It causes skin inflammation and also makes the skin dry and inflamed. The skin can split in more serious cases, which may cause the eczema to weep or bleed; this increases the risk of getting skin infections.

Aside from infected eczema, Fucidin cream can be used in the treatment of the likes of impetigo, infected dermatitis and infected cuts and grazes.

Why is Fucidin Cream recommended for eczema?

The fusidic acid contained in Fucidin is highly effective in stopping bacteria from growing, meaning that Fucidin Cream can provide effective swift treatment for infected eczema and other skin problems.

Fucidin cream is able to treat most skin infections within 10 days of treatment.

How does Fucidin cream work?

Fucidin cream contains fusidic acid, which is an antibiotic medicine that acts as a bacterial protein synthesis inhibitor. This means that it works to stop bacterial infections from spreading.

It works to treat infections by stopping harmful bacteria from producing the proteins they need to reproduce. Doing this will stop the infection from spreading to larger areas of skin. Additionally, it will mean that the existing bacteria will be killed by your immune system.

Is Fucidin Cream suitable for me?

Fucidin cream is not suitable for everyone to use.

Do not use Fucidin if you are allergic to fusidic acid or any of the other ingredients contained this cream (please refer to the Ingredients tab for a full list of substances contained in Fucidin).

Can you buy Fucidin over the counter?

No, you need a prescription for this cream, it is not available over the counter. 

Can you buy Fucidin online in the UK?

This treatment is only available to purchase when you have been given a prescription for it. You can buy Fucidin cream online from Medicine Direct if you have been previously diagnosed with an infected skin condition and your symptoms have returned. You will need to complete an online consultation with one of our registered doctors or pharmacists. They will review your answers and give you a prescription to buy this medicine if they find it to be safe for you to use.

After you have been given a prescription to order Fucidin cream, you can make your purchase from our online pharmacy. Place your order by 2pm and we can offer you next day delivery, allowing you to begin your course of treatment almost immediately.

Never buy any medicine online unless it is from a UK-registered pharmacy that is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), like Medicine Direct.

Fucidin alternatives

Medicine Direct stocks a wide range of treatments for eczema.

Corticosteroids are often recommended by doctors to treat flare-ups of this problem. The likes of Betnovate and Fucibet contain the corticosteroid medicine betamethasone valerate, which works by relieving the inflammation caused by eczema. In turn, this helps to reduce symptoms like redness and itching, which can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Clobetasone is a milder corticosteroid and does not require a prescription to buy. We stock generic Clobetasone and Eumovate, which contains clobetasone as the active ingredient. This medicine will also work to relieve inflammation.

Fucidin Cream Directions of use

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Fucidin cream.

Always use Fucidin cream exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has instructed you. Read the patient information leaflet thoroughly and ask your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance if you are still not sure.

You will normally be told to use the cream three or four times a day.

Always wash your hands before you use Fucidin cream. Rub the cream gently into the affected area(s) of skin. If you are applying the cream to your face, take great care to avoid contact with the eyes.

Wash your hands again after you use Fucidin, unless your hands are the treatment area.

This medication is for external use only. Do not swallow the cream or apply it internally.

If you get any of the cream in your eyes, rinse them immediately with clean water. If possible, you should then bathe your eye with eyewash. If your eye becomes sore or you suffer any vision problems, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

Fucidin Cream Side Effects

Like all medicine, Fucidin cream can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses this medicine will suffer from them.

The following side effects are uncommon and may affect up to 1 in every 100 people who use Fucidin:

• Eczema
• Irritation at the area the cream was applied to (pain, burning, stinging, skin redness)
• Rash
• Itching

Rare side effects from using this cream may occur in up to 1 in 1,000 users and include:

• Hives
• Conjunctivitis
• Blistering of the skin
• Swelling of the skin

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of these reactions bother you or do not go away.

This list may not be exhaustive. Read the patient information leaflet for a comprehensive list of side effects and details on how to deal with them.

Fucidin Cream Warnings

Before you start using Fucidin cream, you must inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are already using any other prescription or non-prescription medication. This also includes vitamins, supplements or herbal remedies you are currently using or have recently used as some medicines can interact wirh the ingredient Fusidate and some medicines can interact wirh the ingredient hydrocortisone.

When used over an extended period of time or in large quantities, the cream may increase your risk of suffering from side effects. Your skin may also become more sensitive to Fucidin cream.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are already using Fucidin cream and become pregnant, tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Before you start to use Fucidin cream, please ensure you tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the below apply to you:

• You are currently pregnant
• You are currently breastfeeding
• You are trying to get pregnant
• You think you might be pregnant

Please refer to the patient leaflet for full information on who should not use this medication. 

Fucidin Cream Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Fucidic acid.

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.