Daktacort Hydrocortisone Cream

What is Daktacort Cream?

Daktacort cream can be used by children and adults over the age of 10 years to treat fungal and some bacterial skin infections caused by athlete’s foot, thrush and eczema.

Daktacort cream, unlike other anti-fungal skin treatments, also contains the steroid hydrocortisone which means it not only kills the fungi or bacteria responsible for the infections but it also helps to rapidly reduce itching, redness and inflammation.

If you are suffering from a fungal infection but do not have signs of inflammation you may find using a cream without hydrocortisone such as Daktarin more suitable. Daktarin cream is also available from The Independent Pharmacy.

What is Daktacort Cream used for?

Daktacort cream is applied directly to the skin affected by fungal or bacterial infections caused by eczema, dermatitis and athlete’s foot.

Daktacort cream is also an effective treatment for thrush where irritation occurs due to the skin rubbing together for example under the armpits or in the skin folds under the breasts or in the groin.

You should not use Daktacort cream on the genitals or anus as it contains steroids which can irritate areas of delicate skin. Treatment options for genital thrush are available over on our Thrush Symptoms and Treatment page.

Daktacort cream is not a recommended treatment option for ringworm as the steroid can make your condition worse. Anti-fungal treatments containing clotrimazole should be used to treat ringworm and are effective in the treatment of nappy rash that is caused by fungi.

Daktacort Cream on the face

Daktacort cream should not be used to treat skin conditions on the face unless it is prescribed by your GP.

Daktacort cream contains the steroid hydrocortisone, which can cause damage to sensitive areas of skin such as the face and genitals.

If you are suffering from eczema or any other skin condition that is affecting your face you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How does Daktacort Cream work?

Daktacort cream is applied directly to the infected skin which allows it to target the source of the infection quickly, visibly reducing associated itching, irritation and inflammation.

Daktacort cream contains miconazole nitrate which is an anti-fungal agent that works by destroying the fungus that is responsible for the infection and some associated bacteria on the skin.

Hydrocortisone is the second active ingredient contained in Daktacort cream, this is a mild corticosteroid or steroid which reduces inflammation, swelling, redness and itching of the skin.

Sources

• https://www.drugs.com/uk/daktacort-cream-leaflet.html
• https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/medicines/why-can-you-not-use-hydrocortisone-cream-on-the-face/
• https://www.canesten.co.uk/en/derm/symptoms/ringworm/treatment/
• Daktacort Cream Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1557/pil

Daktacort cream dosage

For adults and children over 10 years old:

• Twice a day apply a small amount of the cream on the affected areas
• Rub the cream gently into the skin until the cream has disappeared
• Repeat this process for 7 days

If you continue to have symptoms of the infection or your condition has worsened after 7 days you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

This product should only be applied directly to the infected skin. Daktacort is not suitable for the treatment of infections on the face, genitals or anus.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly, before using Daktacort cream, for full details of how to use Daktacort cream.

How to apply Daktacort Cream

Daktacort cream should be applied to the infected and surrounding areas of skin only. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after each application, unless the infection is on your hands, to avoid spreading the infection to other areas of healthy skin and other people.

How long does Daktacort Cream take to work?

You should notice improvements to your skin infection and a visible reduction in inflammation of the infected skin within 7 days of using Daktacort cream.

You should not use Daktacort cream for more than 7 days. If your skin continues to look infected and inflamed after 7 days of use you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

Daktacort cream ingredients

Daktacort cream contains active ingredients: Miconazole nitrate 20 mg and Hydrocortisone acetate equivalent to 10 mg of hydrocortisone.

Daktacort cream also contains: Liquid paraffin, butylhydroxyanisole, benzoic acid.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before using Daktacort cream to ensure you are familiar with the full list of ingredients.

Daktacort cream side effects

Side effects when using Daktacort cream are uncommon and usually are mild these include:

• Skin irritation
• Burning sensation
• Itchy skin or a rash
• Blurred vision
• Inflammation or lighter patches of skin

Daktacort, like other medicines, can cause unwanted side effects. For a full list of reported side effects please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

If you are worried about side effects of Daktacort cream or symptoms do not improve after stopping using the cream, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Although allergic reactions are rare, if you experience a severe allergic reaction as a result of using Daktacort cream seek immediate medical help from your nearest emergency department

Daktacort cream warnings

For a full list of warnings and precautions associated with the use of Daktacort Cream, please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

• Do not use it if you suffer from other skin conditions such as cold sores, acne, herpes, chickenpox, or shingles.
• Not for use on broken skin.
• Daktacort can cause thinning of the skin so should be used sparingly in the elderly.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using Daktacort cream if you are currently using any other medication.

Daktacort Cream & Pregnancy

If you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding and suffering from a fungal skin infection you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using Daktacort cream for advice.

Daktacort cream and contraception

The ingredients in Daktacort cream can cause damage to rubber contraceptives, such as condoms or diaphragms, therefore making them less effective which could result in pregnancy or the transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).