Fusidic Acid Cream FAQs
What is Fusidic Acid Cream?
Fusidic Acid Cream is a prescription-only medication used to treat bacterial skin infections, such as infected eczema, dermatitis, and other skin conditions. It is a topical treatment, meaning you apply it directly to the affected area to reduce symptoms and prevent the infection from worsening. The active ingredient, fusidic acid, is an antibiotic that targets and stops the bacteria causing the infection. Fusidic Acid Cream is only available with a prescription in the UK after a medical consultation, and it is suitable for most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.
What Does Fusidic Acid Cream Do?
Fusidic Acid Cream contains fusidic acid, an antibiotic that works by stopping the bacteria from growing and multiplying. It prevents the bacteria from making essential proteins needed for reproduction, halting the infection from spreading. As the bacteria can no longer multiply, they die off, and the immune system clears the infection. This makes Fusidic Acid Cream effective in treating bacterial skin infections such as infected eczema, dermatitis, and more.
What Are the Alternatives to Fusidic Acid Cream?
If Fusidic Acid Cream is not suitable for you due to allergies or other reasons, there are alternative treatments available depending on the condition being treated:
- Fucidin H Cream: Contains fusidic acid and hydrocortisone (a mild steroid) to reduce inflammation when there is both infection and mild irritation.
- Fucibet Cream: Combines fusidic acid with betamethasone (a stronger steroid) for treating more severe inflammation along with infection.
Non-prescription options for managing eczema and similar conditions include moisturizers, emollients, bath gels, cotton gloves, and antihistamines to ease itching. If your skin becomes infected, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper treatment.
How to Use Fusidic Acid Cream?
Follow these steps to use Fusidic Acid Cream effectively:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before applying.
- Apply a thin layer of cream to the infected area.
- Avoid getting the cream in your eyes. If this happens, rinse with cold water right away.
- Wash your hands after each application, unless you are treating your hands.
Fusidic Acid Cream is usually applied three to four times a day, or as directed by your doctor. If the area is covered by a dressing, you may need to apply it less often. Continue using it for the full prescribed duration to prevent the infection from returning. If there is no improvement in a few days, consult your doctor.
What Are the Ingredients in Fusidic Acid Cream?
The active ingredient in Fusidic Acid Cream is:
What Are the Side Effects of Fusidic Acid Cream?
Like all medications, Fusidic Acid Cream may cause side effects, although they are not common. Some possible side effects include:
- Irritation at the application site (pain, burning, stinging, redness)
- Itching
- Rash
- Eczema
These side effects are uncommon, affecting up to 1 in 100 people. If you experience any side effects, stop using the cream and contact your doctor or pharmacist.
What Are the Warnings for Fusidic Acid Cream?
Fusidic Acid Cream is not suitable for everyone. Avoid using it if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. If you need to apply it over large areas of skin or near your eyes, consult your doctor, as this could increase the risk of side effects. Be cautious, as some ingredients in Fusidic Acid Cream may irritate the skin. If you experience a severe skin rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat, seek immediate medical attention.
Always read the packaging and Patient Information Leaflet before starting any medication. Inform your doctor about all the other medications you are taking or plan to take.
You can purchase Fusidic Acid Cream online at CourierPharmacy.co.uk after completing a consultation form.
