Fucidin H Cream

Quantity	1 x 30g, 2 x 30g

What is Fucidin H cream?

Treating infected eczema or any infected skin condition can be challenging because you’re dealing with both an infection and inflammation simultaneously. Instead of managing multiple treatments, you need a solution that addresses both issues in one effective product.

Fucidin H is designed to meet this need by combining two powerful active ingredients, each with a distinct purpose. The first ingredient, fusidic acid, is an antibiotic that targets and prevents the growth of bacteria, effectively treating the infection. The second ingredient, hydrocortisone acetate, is a mild corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, swelling, and redness.

By tackling the problem from both angles, Fucidin H Cream rapidly clears up infected skin conditions and alleviates discomfort, helping you return to full health as quickly as possible. This dual-action approach makes Fucidin H a comprehensive treatment option for managing infected eczema and similar conditions, providing both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits in a single application.

Understanding Corticosteroid Potency:

Corticosteroid treatments, like those in Fucidin H Cream, come in varying potencies: mild, moderately potent, potent, and very potent. Hydrocortisone, the corticosteroid in Fucidin H Cream, is classified as a mild corticosteroid, making it suitable for treating delicate areas of the skin with minimal risk of side effects. Despite its mild classification, it plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation and soothing irritated skin.

Your healthcare professional will recommend the appropriate potency based on your specific condition, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment.

What is the active ingredient in Fucidin H cream?

There are 2 active ingredients, fusidic acid and hydrocortisone acetate. Fucidin H cream contains 2% fusidic acid and 1% hydrocortisone.

What is Fucidin H cream used for?

Fucidin H Cream is used to treat skin conditions that are both inflamed and infected by bacteria. It is particularly effective for conditions such as:

Infected eczema: When eczema becomes complicated by a bacterial infection, Fucidin H Cream helps manage both the inflammation and the infection.
Infected dermatitis: This cream is used to treat dermatitis that has become infected, reducing redness, swelling, and irritation while also eliminating the bacteria causing the infection.
Other bacterial skin infections: Fucidin H can be used for other skin conditions where bacterial infection is present along with inflammation.

The cream combines the antibiotic action of fusidic acid, which kills the bacteria, with the anti-inflammatory properties of hydrocortisone acetate, which reduces swelling, redness, and itching. This dual action makes Fucidin H an effective treatment for skin conditions where both infection and inflammation are present.

How does Fucidin H cream work?

Fucidin H is specially formulated to address the complexities of treating infected skin conditions by combining two active ingredients, each with a distinct and complementary function. The first active ingredient, fusidic acid, is an antibiotic that targets bacteria responsible for the infection. Instead of directly killing the bacteria, fusidic acid works by damaging them and inhibiting their ability to multiply. This prevents the spread of the infection, allowing the bacteria to be naturally eliminated by the body's immune system, leading to the gradual clearance of the infection. The second ingredient, hydrocortisone, is a corticosteroid that helps to manage the inflammatory response in the skin. It does this by reducing the dilation of blood vessels and minimizing the release of chemicals that cause swelling, redness, and itching. By controlling these inflammatory reactions, hydrocortisone helps the affected skin to heal more effectively and with less discomfort. By addressing both the bacterial infection and the associated inflammation, Fucidin H provides a comprehensive treatment that works on two fronts. This dual-action approach helps to quickly clear up infected skin, relieve symptoms, and restore your skin to health, allowing you to return to your normal activities as soon as possible.

How do you use Fucidin H cream?

Always use Fucidin H Cream exactly as directed by your doctor. If you’re unsure about any instructions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to Apply Fucidin H Cream

This medicine is intended for external use only on your skin or a child’s skin. It should not be swallowed or applied internally.

Preparation: Before using the cream for the first time, remove the cap and check that the seal is intact. Use the spike in the cap to pierce the seal.
Application: Always wash your hands before applying Fucidin H Cream. Gently rub a small amount of the cream onto the affected skin. If applying to your face, avoid contact with your eyes.
Post-Application: Unless treating your hands, wash your hands again after applying the cream. If you accidentally get the cream in your eyes, rinse them immediately with cold water. If possible, use an eyewash. Your eyes may sting; if you experience any vision problems or persistent eye discomfort, contact your doctor immediately.

How Much Fucidin H Cream to Use

Your doctor will instruct you on the appropriate amount of Fucidin H Cream to use. The typical treatment duration is up to 2 weeks, but always consult your doctor before continuing treatment beyond this period. You should start to see an improvement in your skin within a few days of use. If there’s no improvement after 7 days, discontinue use and consult your doctor. The usual recommendation is to apply the cream twice daily, in the morning and evening. To help remember, you might find it useful to apply the cream during another routine activity, like brushing your teeth. If your doctor has advised covering the treated area with a dressing or bandage, you may not need to apply the cream as often. A nappy on a baby can function as a dressing, so follow your doctor’s specific advice on how to use the cream in these cases.

If You Forget to Use Fucidin H Cream

If you miss a dose, apply the cream as soon as you remember. Then continue to use the cream at your regular scheduled time. If you have any further questions about using this medicine, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Who should not use Fucidin H cream?

Do Not Use Fucidin H Cream If:

You are allergic (hypersensitive) to fusidic acid or hydrocortisone acetate.
You are allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the other ingredients in this medicine. You can find a list of these ingredients in section 6 of the leaflet.
You have a skin condition called acne rosacea, which causes redness and inflammation over your nose and cheeks. If you are unsure, consult your doctor.
You have a skin condition called perioral dermatitis, which is a red, spotty rash around your mouth or chin.
You have skin conditions caused by tuberculosis or syphilis.
You are treating skin conditions caused only by bacteria, such as boils or spots.
You have a skin condition caused by a virus, such as cold sores or chickenpox.
You have a skin condition caused by a fungus, such as athlete’s foot.

Warnings and Precautions

Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before using Fucidin H Cream:

Take special care if you are applying this medicine near your eyes or a child's eyes. If the cream gets into the eye, it may lead to glaucoma.
Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
Prolonged use or applying large amounts of the cream may increase the risk of side effects and make your skin more sensitive to this medicine.
Avoid using the cream on your face for an extended period.
Do not use Fucidin H Cream on open wounds or sensitive areas such as nostrils, ears, lips, or genitals unless directed by your doctor.
Avoid using this cream on thin skin, skin ulcers, broken veins, or acne unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Adrenal suppression may occur, with symptoms such as tiredness, depression, and anxiety. This can be reversed by stopping Fucidin H Cream.
Stop using the cream after 7 days if your skin has not improved, and consult your doctor.

Fire Risk Warning

Do not smoke or go near open flames while using this product, as fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings, etc.) that has been in contact with the cream burns more easily and poses a serious fire hazard. Washing these items may reduce the product build-up but not completely remove it.

If Your Condition Worsens

If your condition worsens while using the cream, consult your prescriber, as you may be experiencing an allergic reaction, an infection, or may require a different treatment. If your condition recurs within 2 weeks of stopping treatment, do not restart the cream without consulting your prescriber unless previously advised. If the redness extends beyond the initial treatment area and you experience a burning sensation, seek medical advice before resuming treatment.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Fucidin H Cream if:

You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Do not use this medicine for a long time or in large amounts without your doctor’s advice.
You are breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you become pregnant while using this medicine.

Driving and Using Machines

This medicine typically has little effect on your ability to drive or operate machines. However, if you experience any side effects that may impair your ability to drive or use machines, consult your doctor.

Important Information About Some Ingredients in Fucidin H Cream

Butylhydroxyanisole (E320): May cause an itchy rash, inflammation at the application site, and irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes (such as lips or genital area).
Cetyl alcohol: May cause an itchy rash and inflammation at the application site.
Potassium sorbate: May cause an itchy rash and inflammation at the application site.

If you have any concerns about the ingredients in this medicine, please consult your doctor.

What are the side effects with Fucidin H cream?

Like all medicines, Fucidin H Cream can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Important Side Effects to Watch For:

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they may indicate an allergic reaction:

Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the face or throat
Severe rash on the skin

Other Possible Side Effects:

The following side effects are more likely to occur if the cream is used for an extended period, in large amounts, or on areas of skin folds (such as the armpits or under the breasts). These issues are also more likely in babies and children, especially if the treated area is covered with a dressing, bandage, or nappy. Skin Problems:

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Reactions at the application site, including itching, burning, and irritation.

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
- Itchy rash and skin inflammation in the treated area
- Worsening of eczema
- Skin rash

Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from the available data):
- Blurred vision

Some side effects associated with hydrocortisone, one of the active ingredients in Fucidin H Cream, may occur. It’s important to inform your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Adrenal glands may become less effective, leading to symptoms such as tiredness, depression, and anxiety.
- Development of glaucoma.
- Thinning of the skin.
- Red, spotty rash around the mouth or chin.
- Stretch marks.
- Visibility of small veins near the surface of the skin.
- Skin redness.
- Lightening of skin color.
- Changes in body hair growth.
- Excessive sweating.
Steroid Withdrawal Reaction: If Fucidin H Cream is used over a prolonged period, some patients may experience a withdrawal reaction when stopping treatment. This reaction may present differently from the original condition and could include the following symptoms:
- Redness of the skin, which may extend beyond the initial treatment area.
- A burning or stinging sensation.
- Intense itching.
- Peeling of the skin.
- Oozing open sores.

Does Fucidin H cream interact with other medicines?

Fucidin H Cream is primarily used topically, and because it is applied to the skin, the risk of interactions with other medicines is generally low. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Systemic Absorption: If Fucidin H Cream is applied over large areas of the skin, used under occlusive dressings, or used for an extended period, there is a possibility that the active ingredients, particularly hydrocortisone, could be absorbed into the bloodstream. This could theoretically lead to interactions similar to those seen with oral corticosteroids.
Concurrent Use with Other Topical Medications: If you are using other topical medications on the same area of skin, it’s important to consult with your doctor or pharmacist. Using multiple topical treatments simultaneously may affect how each medicine works or increase the risk of skin irritation.
Medicines that Affect Corticosteroids: If you are taking medications that affect how corticosteroids work (e.g., certain antifungal drugs or antibiotics), they may influence the effectiveness or side effects of hydrocortisone in Fucidin H Cream.

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements, to ensure that there are no potential interactions.

Fucidin H cream FAQs

What is Fucidin H Cream?

Fucidin H Cream is a double-action treatment designed to tackle infected skin conditions like eczema. Treating these conditions can be complex because you need to address both the infection and the inflammation simultaneously. Fucidin H Cream simplifies this process by combining two active ingredients: fusidic acid, an antibiotic that prevents bacterial growth, and hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid that reduces swelling and inflammation. By targeting both issues at once, Fucidin H Cream works quickly to clear up the infection and alleviate discomfort, helping you return to full health.

How does Fucidin H Cream work?

Fucidin H Cream contains two active ingredients with distinct functions. Fusidic acid is an antibiotic that damages bacteria and prevents them from multiplying. While it doesn’t kill the bacteria outright, it stops them from spreading, allowing the body’s immune system to eliminate the infection over time. Hydrocortisone, the second ingredient, is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation by narrowing blood vessels and decreasing the release of chemicals that cause swelling. This dual-action approach helps the skin heal more effectively and reduces discomfort.

How can I avoid skin infections?

Preventing skin infections is the best approach, especially if you suffer from chronic skin conditions. Here are some tips:

Treat affected areas promptly, keeping them moisturized and using steroid creams as recommended by your doctor.
Avoid known irritants that can exacerbate the problem.
Resist the urge to scratch, as this can break the skin and make it more susceptible to infection.

Additionally, try to avoid factors that may trigger flare-ups, such as stress, injury, hormonal changes, binge drinking, smoking, or using certain medications. While Fucidin H Cream is effective for treating infected skin, it should only be used for up to two weeks. Prolonged use can lead to diminishing effectiveness and an increased risk of side effects. Regularly moisturizing affected areas can help prevent outbreaks.

When should I avoid using Fucidin H Cream?

Do not use Fucidin H Cream in the following situations:

If you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
To treat rosacea (redness and inflammation of the face).
To treat perioral dermatitis (a red, spotty rash around the mouth or chin).
For skin infections that cover large areas.
For acne.
For eczema or dermatitis that is not infected.

For conditions like acne and rosacea, specialized treatments are more appropriate. If you have inflamed skin conditions without signs of infection, corticosteroid treatments like Eumovate or Betnovate may be more effective.

What are some non-prescription treatment options?

If you have infected eczema or dermatitis and prefer not to use prescription treatments, consider the following:

Moisturizers and emollients to reduce pain and prevent skin cracking.
Disinfectant bath and shower gels to help fight infections.
Cotton gloves to reduce damage from scratching.
Antihistamine tablets to lessen itching and prevent further irritation.

If these options don’t work, consult a healthcare professional. Uploading a photo of the affected area to an online pharmacy may also help you get a recommendation.

How do I use Fucidin H Cream?

To apply Fucidin H Cream:

Consult the Patient Information Leaflet to determine the appropriate amount.
Wash your hands before application.
Spread a thin layer of the cream onto the inflamed area and gently rub it in.
Wash your hands after application unless your hands are being treated.

Apply the cream twice daily, ideally 12 hours apart. Use it for up to two weeks, but if there’s no improvement after a week, stop using it and consult your doctor. Prolonged use may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

What are the ingredients in Fucidin H Cream?

Fucidin H Cream contains two active ingredients:

Fusidic acid (antibiotic)
Hydrocortisone acetate (corticosteroid)

The cream also includes the following inactive ingredients:

Butylhydroxyanisole (E320)
Cetyl alcohol
Glycerol
Liquid paraffin
Potassium sorbate
Polysorbate 60
All-rac-a-tocopherol
Water
White soft paraffin

What are the possible side effects of Fucidin H Cream?

Some ingredients in Fucidin H Cream, like butylhydroxyanisole, cetyl alcohol, and potassium sorbate, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Before applying the cream widely, test it on a small patch of skin. Other possible side effects include:

Itchy rash and skin inflammation in the treated area.
Worsening of eczema.
Further skin rash.

The most common side effect is an itching or burning sensation, but if you experience any concerning symptoms, consult your doctor.

Are there any warnings for Fucidin H Cream?

Fucidin H Cream is not suitable for you if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Additionally, avoid using it for:

Acne
Perioral dermatitis
Viral infections (e.g., cold sores, herpes, chickenpox)
Bacterial infections unrelated to dermatitis
Fungal infections (e.g., thrush, athlete’s foot)
Rosacea
Conditions caused by syphilis or tuberculosis
Open wounds or broken veins

Take extra care when applying the cream to large areas of skin, the face, or sensitive areas like the lips and genitals unless advised by your doctor.

Download patient leaflet

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5511.pdf