GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Fucidin Cream is a topical agent that is applied to manage infections of the skin, and contains a corticosteroid and an antibiotic (fusidic acid). '.

If you think Fucidin Cream is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

What is Fucidin Cream?

Fucidin cream is used to treat skin infections caused by bacteria, particularly staphylococcal bacteria. The skin infections treated by Fucidin cream include the following:

• Impetigo
• Infected eczema
• Infected hair follicles
• Infected wounds

Fucidin cream may be used in adults and children.

How does Fucidin Cream work?

Fucidin cream contains the active ingredient fusidic acid. Fucidic acid a type of medicine called antibiotic. Fusidic acid works by interfering with the bacteria’s protein production that is essential for their growth and replication. Fusidic acid does not cause the actual killing of the bacteria, but makes them unable to replicate and increase in quantity. The remaining bacteria, which are deprived of their essential proteins, will eventually die or destroyed by the body’s immune system. This results in the clearing of the infection.

What are the benefits of using Fucidin Cream?

Fucidin cream is effective in treating various skin infections caused by certain kinds of bacteria. It works by interfering with the production of proteins that the bacteria need for growth and increase in number. Fucidin cream clears the skin infection when the bacteria that can no longer multiply die naturally or are destroyed by the body’s immune system.

How to use Fucidin Cream?

Fucidin cream should be applied thinly and gently to the infected area of the skin as directed by your doctor. If your doctor will ask you to cover the area with a dressing, there is no need to apply the cream as frequently.

You should thoroughly wash your hands before applying the medicine. You should also wash your hands after applying the cream, unless the skin of the hand is being treated.

You should avoid getting the cream in the eyes, particularly when treating an infection on the facial skin. If you accidentally get the cream in the eyes, they should be rinsed thoroughly with plenty of water.

Apply Fucidin cream every day as long as the doctor has prescribed it. You need to finish the course of treatment unless your doctor will ask you to stop it. Stopping the use of the medication before the end of the prescribed course of treatment could result in the infection coming back and increase the risk of the bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotic.

If your infection does not get better or gets worse despite the treatment of Fucidin cream, you should see your doctor. You also need to see your doctor if your infection will come back after you have finished the treatment course.

You should not use Fucidin cream for longer than what your doctor prescribed, or save the medicine for future infections, unless your doctor will tell you to. Prolonged or repeated use of an antibacterial medicine can result in skin reactions and may also result in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Fucidin Cream patient information leaflet.

What side effects can Fucidin Cream have?

Most medicines can cause some unwanted side effects, which can affect individuals in different ways. Not everyone who uses Fucidin cream will experience the side effects.

Uncommon side effects:

• Pain, burning, stinging sensation or redness of the skin upon application
• Skin rashes
• Contact dermatitis
• Redness or skin itching

Rare side effects

• Skin blistering
• Hives
• Conjunctivitis
• Allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the skin, face, throat or tongue.

What precautions should I take?

Fucidin cream should not be used by people who are allergic to fusidic acid, sodium fusidate, or any of the other ingredients of Fucidin cream. If you believe that you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Fucidin, stop using it and call your doctor.

Fucidin cream can be safely used during pregnancy. It is also safe to use the cream while breastfeeding because fusidic acid is absorbed through the skin in a very slight amount. If you are breastfeeding, avoid applying the cream near your breasts. If you have to apply the cream to your breasts, you should wash it off thoroughly before breastfeeding.

Fusidic acid is not absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream in significant amounts so it is not expected to affect other benefits.  However, if you are using a moisturizer in the same area of the skin that is being treated by Fucidin cream, it should not be applied at the same time as it will dilute the antibiotic and makes it less effective for the treatment of the infection. Leave about 30 minutes between applying different products to the same area of the skin in order to give them time to be absorbed.

Where do I buy Fucidin Cream?

You can safely buy Fucidin Cream online at UK Meds. You will need to have first an online consultation with a registered independent prescriber before your order can be supplied (following a successful approval). The online consultation will ensure that Fucidin Cream is the right medication for your medical condition.